tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42423053445422079992024-03-13T18:14:44.773-04:00The Rivers & Trails JournalBrianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10891146601333048129noreply@blogger.comBlogger767125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4242305344542207999.post-38754113683374254392012-08-20T10:59:00.000-04:002012-08-20T10:59:12.143-04:00Henry County Students to Design Trash Truck Logo<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The
Dan River Basin Association (DRBA), in partnership with Henry County Public Schools
and Henry County, has been awarded a grant to increase public awareness of
litter prevention. The “Keep Virginia Beautiful” grant features a logo contest in
which area students will compete for the design that may be placed on one or
more county garbage trucks. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“We
are thrilled to partner with DRBA and Henry County Schools on this project,”
said Henry County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jim Adams. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Our community needs everyone working together
to tackle our litter problem, and this is a great start.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">One
winning student's artwork and one winning student's slogan will be selected for
an anti-litter marketing campaign.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
final product will be displayed on various items: signage, t-shirts, caps,
stickers, etc., to be distributed locally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Additionally, a county-wide event will be held riverside to clean up
litter along the Smith River.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Henry
County also has proposed that new garbage trucks use the artwork/slogan for reinforcement
as they travel the County. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Having
children design the artwork and slogan provides a sense of accomplishment for
the students and educates them about the litter problem,” said Brian Williams,
DRBA project leader.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We believe the
anti-litter marketing campaign will bring a large number of people to a
clean-up event, including the media, and that the areas alongside the Smith
River in Henry County will experience a tremendous amount of community pride in
their children and river.”</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">DRBA
Executive Director, Tiffany Haworth, said the nonprofit is excited about “this
very visible” project. “I’d love to see this happen in communities throughout
the Dan River Basin,” she said.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">"Henry
County Public Schools looks forward to partnering with DRBA and Henry County on
this issue. Our students are creative, critical thinkers who will undoubtedly
be part of the solution in taking care of our community today and in the
future," said Melany Stowe, spokesperson.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">DRBA
preserves and promotes the natural and cultural resources of the Dan River
Basin through recreation, education and stewardship. Keep Virginia Beautiful
provided opportunities for government, non-profit and/or service organizations
in Virginia to apply for one of 30 grants ranging from $500 to $1,000 in three
different categories: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>beautification,
litter prevention, and recycling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These
grants are made possible by KVB partners Capital One, Waste Management and
Lowe’s.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490516642033798508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4242305344542207999.post-88892826144363837732012-05-21T11:02:00.003-04:002012-05-21T11:07:26.022-04:00June 2 First Saturday Outing on the Dan from Hanging Rock to Moratock Park<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiehu7-Kd836daBXah9qAiBKbCC0F1-uw1mIGTTtyR3EdCMB4oEk4rIcRByVSJtl4ZbpguWB-nfD0-aNn_6aybCIiGQDM2ithM_HOlMB_tnE1f4M_BP4-ncqS0fSKivodvxFg6wm61-H6E/s1600/6.2.12+Hanging+Rock-(1)-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiehu7-Kd836daBXah9qAiBKbCC0F1-uw1mIGTTtyR3EdCMB4oEk4rIcRByVSJtl4ZbpguWB-nfD0-aNn_6aybCIiGQDM2ithM_HOlMB_tnE1f4M_BP4-ncqS0fSKivodvxFg6wm61-H6E/s320/6.2.12+Hanging+Rock-(1)-.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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You're invited to DRBA's June 2 First Saturday Outing on a popular section of the Dan River from Hanging Rock State Park to Moratock Park in Danbury, NC. Will Truslow, past president of DRBA and an avid kayaker, will coordinate the scenic five-mile float. <br />
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We'll meet at 10:00 a.m. at the Hanging Rock State Park canoe access off Flinchum Road (GPS coordinates: 36.4299, -80.2482) to unload boats and gear and set the shuttle. Boat rentals and shuttle will be provided by the nearby Dan River Company, 336-593-2628, www.danrivercompany.com, or Three Rivers Outfitters of Eden, 336-627-6215, www.3-R-O.com. <br />
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According to Truslow, "This outing goes through one of the most scenic sections of the Dan in Stokes County. There are several stretches of high bluffs coming down to the river's edge, along with areas of dense rhododendron. Just spectacular. Well into the trip there is a cave in a rock cliff."<br />
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Adds Charlie Williams, former DRBA outings chair, "At normal levels this section offers mostly calm waters with one easy Class II rapid at Moratock Park," just before the take-out. "The easy put-in and take-out make this an excellent family trip."<br />
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Shortly after the put-in, boaters will pass under the NC 89 Highway Bridge. About three miles into the trip is Seven Island Bridge. Except for these two landmarks, most of the trip reveals little evidence of human disturbance, with nearly half of the river corridor passing through State Natural Heritage Areas. At this time of year, wildflowers may be in bloom along the banks. <br />
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After loading their boats at Moratock Park, participants may enjoy visiting the historic 1843 Moratock Furnace, a 40-foot-high granite structure where iron ore from local mines was smelted. According to "The Dan River Atlas," water from the river was channeled through "an ingenious tunnel through the horseshoe bend" to power the bellows for the furnace. Only the furnace near the canoe access remains today.<br />
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Additional interesting facts about this river section's history, culture, and nearby attractions are found in Maps 68 -- 70 of DRBA's publication, "An Insider's Guide to the Dan River in North Carolina and Virginia," available at www.danriver.org .<br />
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Participants in the outing are asked to provide boat and paddles, life jacket, lunch and water, to dress in layers of artificial (quick-drying) fabric or wool, and to sign a waiver. <br />
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DIRECTIONS: To reach the Hanging Rock Access from Stuart, VA, travel south on Route 8. Turn left on Route 89. Travel about ¼ mile, and turn right onto Flinchum Road, which is marked by a brown DAN RIVER ACCESS sign. Drive past the Dan River Company on the way to the concrete launch ramp.<br />
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From the town of Danbury, travel west on Route 89. Pass the hospital and the road to Hanging Rock State Park. About one mile west of the hospital, turn left onto Flinchum Road, which is marked by a brown DAN RIVER ACCESS sign. Drive past the Dan River Company on the way to the concrete launch ramp.<br />
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MORE INFORMATION: Will Truslow, 336-547-1903, <a href="mailto:willtruslow@hotmail.com">willtruslow@hotmail.com</a><br />
<br />Regenia Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10081813660398331302noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4242305344542207999.post-33338370167728023682012-04-16T11:51:00.003-04:002012-05-03T09:15:45.673-04:00DRBA May 5 First Saturday Outing to Paddle Smith from Sports Complex to Mitchell Bridge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4YEVuxtQmKNSqv_XCYSKd1tydiPcQzXWoVxIyufoJ4kUTf4x6mmblLQ23_DdSlOtuTFDHTHB14EeWJxw_sKzXNaAjP-jKf-6WPTF0ZhZo-y08yMS48OHqmsroGOCEKD_EIYipXt8v7c/s1600/Wayne%2520on%2520the%2520Smith%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4YEVuxtQmKNSqv_XCYSKd1tydiPcQzXWoVxIyufoJ4kUTf4x6mmblLQ23_DdSlOtuTFDHTHB14EeWJxw_sKzXNaAjP-jKf-6WPTF0ZhZo-y08yMS48OHqmsroGOCEKD_EIYipXt8v7c/s320/Wayne%2520on%2520the%2520Smith%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
On Saturday, May 5, the Dan River Basin Association (DRBA) invites you to paddle a particularly interesting section of the Smith River, including a portion new to DRBA's outings. The organization's First Saturday Outing will float 6 miles from the Smith River Sports Complex Access to the Mitchell Bridge Access in Henry County, Virginia.<br />
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Participants will meet a 10:00am at the Smith River Sports Complex (GPS36.63383,-79.82511). Boat rentals and shuttle may be arranged through Smith River Adventure Outfitters of Martinsville, (276) 252-0701, <a href="http://www.smithriveradventureoutfitters.com/">http://www.smithriveradventureoutfitters.com/</a>, or Three Rivers Outfitters of Eden (336)627-6215, <a href="http://www.3-r-o.com/">http://www.3-r-o.com/</a>.<br />
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Coordinators for the outing are two avid paddlers and board officers of DRBA, Wayne Kirkpatrick and Mark Bishopric. Kirkpatrick says, "This will be the first time DRBA has scheduled a First Saturday Outing on the first two miles of this section. The Class III rapid know as Eggleston Falls is bypassed by a batteau sluice, making it appropriate for novice paddlers."<br />
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In the nineteenth century, the Smith River was improved to allow long, narrow batteaux, the commericial craft that carried cargo up and down the river, to pass through rocky ledges. The river's navigation improvements include the channel beside Eggleston Falls, described in DRBA's <em>Insider's Guide to the Smith</em> <em>River</em> as "the largest set of falls on the Smith River."<br />
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According to the guide, available at <a href="http://www.danriver.org/">http://www.danriver.org/</a>, "a batteau sluice blaseted out of bedrock is adjacent to the falls river left." DRBA coordinators will point out the sluice for those who prefer to use the gentler passage.<br />
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Just downstream of Eggleston Falls, Marrowbone Creek enters the Smith River from the right. The Marrowbone Creek Access is one of the most popular launching sites on the river. <br />
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On a hillside just below Marrowbone Creek, covered by a rhododendron thicket, is the 75-acre Gravely Nature Preserve, developed by DRBA as part of the Smith River Trail System. The preserve, a Henry County park, boasts two miles of trials with interpretive signs, a wealth of wildflowers and ferns, and the family cemetery of the historic Burgess Plantation. Hikers may be glimpsed on the riverside trail.<br />
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A mile below the Gravely Nature Preserve, Leatherwood Creek enters the river from the left. Near the headwaters of the creek, Patrick Henry lived on a large plantation from 1779-1786. Both Patrick and Henry counties ar named in honor of this Revolutionary War patriot.<br />
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Boaters may wish to take a side excursion up Leatherwood Creek to enjoy the shade and explore for wildflowers and birds. A short distance downriver a broad rounded boulder in the middle of the Smith, fondly dubbed "Lunch Rock," beckons paddlers to stop and break out a snack.<br />
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Within half a mile is a long bedrock layer that spans the river, with a channel on the far right, possibly cut for batteau navigation. Another half mile brings boater to Long Island, flanked by Long Island Rapids that provide one last maneuvering opportunity in sight of the takeout at Mitchell Bridge Access.<br />
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Paticipants in the outing are asked to bring boat, a life jacket for each boater, lunch and water. Dress in layers of synthetic (quick-drying) fabric or wool, and be prepared for wind or rain. Because its water come from the bottom of Philpott Lake, the Smith River is always cold.<br />
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All participants are asked to sign a waiver.<br />
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The put-in is at the Smith River Sports Complex, 1000 Irisburg Road, Axton, Virginia. </div>
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From US 220, turn east on US 58 toward Danville. Drive 2.5 miles, and turn right onto County Road 650/Irisburg Road. The Sports Complex is 1/4 mile on the right. Immediately after passing through the gates, turn left onto a gravel road beside the maintenance sheds. Follow the road downhill to the parking lot at the top of the ramp.<br />
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From Danville, take US 58 west towards Martinsville for about 15 miles. Take US 58 West ramp to US 220 toward Stuart/Roanoke/Ridgeway/Greensboro. Drive about 3.5 miles, and exit onto County Road 650/Irisburg Road. Turn left onto Irisburg Road. The Sports Complex is 1/4 mile on the right. Immediately after passing through the gates, turn left onto a gravel road beside the maintenance sheds. Follow the road downhill to the parking lot at the top of the ramp. <br />
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Outings and meetings of the Dan River Basin Association are open to the public without charge.<br />
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For trip information, contact trip coordinator Wayne Kirkpatrick, <a href="mailto:wynbtyk@embarqmail.com">wynbtyk@embarqmail.com</a>, (540) 570-3511 or (276) 694-4449, or Mark Bishopric, <a href="mailto:mbishopric@3-r-o.com">mbishopric@3-r-o.com</a>, (336) 627-6215.<br />
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For information about the Dan River Basin Association, visit <a href="http://www.danriver.org/">http://www.danriver.org/</a>.Regenia Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10081813660398331302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4242305344542207999.post-84506464057256656762012-03-22T14:07:00.002-04:002012-03-22T14:14:03.713-04:005th Annual Environmental Education Expo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB82h2Dc6DNMwL-Q0GXJRZFc3x7zGXPilXYd841H9z0gB9hWQMXHvwllLpG10CrNG_aA-c7aYCZ0Yj1s0fmgmJ4-labOwUfFzNOoCuQNCGIJcLMv6Uqgcw9ZR_LZPNd3F5qITKiKOBrYk/s1600/5th+Annual+Environmental+Education+Expo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB82h2Dc6DNMwL-Q0GXJRZFc3x7zGXPilXYd841H9z0gB9hWQMXHvwllLpG10CrNG_aA-c7aYCZ0Yj1s0fmgmJ4-labOwUfFzNOoCuQNCGIJcLMv6Uqgcw9ZR_LZPNd3F5qITKiKOBrYk/s640/5th+Annual+Environmental+Education+Expo.jpg" width="464" /></a></div>Regenia Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10081813660398331302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4242305344542207999.post-45190830728868465562012-03-14T10:32:00.000-04:002012-03-26T13:50:07.335-04:00Event to Benefit DRBA<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiese8IdG0Zud7gt95CesYOHf00neWJ_YyAIqOiFtcnBQROfqzo5O_NdlfBeSa8kPmI3OKPtQ3N0e_eVTU7ccacRPNTgDYMg3-MiNLkLsGNAeZJXoPbxdgxt6IJeXZtZLLgPXi4hMr-ECo/s1600/Event+(Large).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiese8IdG0Zud7gt95CesYOHf00neWJ_YyAIqOiFtcnBQROfqzo5O_NdlfBeSa8kPmI3OKPtQ3N0e_eVTU7ccacRPNTgDYMg3-MiNLkLsGNAeZJXoPbxdgxt6IJeXZtZLLgPXi4hMr-ECo/s640/Event+(Large).jpg" width="465" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: red;">1 ticket $40, 2 tickets $60 - Purchase online at powerhouseproject.net </span></strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Regenia Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10081813660398331302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4242305344542207999.post-84827154286773202992012-03-06T13:03:00.000-05:002012-03-06T13:09:45.034-05:00DRBA to Paddle Dan from State Line to US 58<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj36BXWSNLwYjB8UFv8FSkTMigjOiU07ABvS4zV9c1qvOugGzRRyDWeq0wLgd_ZitcqTauyndMQUMXxCmvHvX9vRVXobB-kO-5hzT-9qfVeHIyegYs1V-FyI8EpSQUCF8FmKRqRxJXHg4g/s1600/DRBA+on+the+Dan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj36BXWSNLwYjB8UFv8FSkTMigjOiU07ABvS4zV9c1qvOugGzRRyDWeq0wLgd_ZitcqTauyndMQUMXxCmvHvX9vRVXobB-kO-5hzT-9qfVeHIyegYs1V-FyI8EpSQUCF8FmKRqRxJXHg4g/s320/DRBA+on+the+Dan.jpg" uda="true" width="320" /></a></div>
On Saturday, April 7, the Dan River Basin Association (DRBA) invites you to paddle a rarely traveled section of the Dan River. <br />
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The organization's First Saturday Outing will float 9 miles from the Berry Hill Bridge at the North Carolina-Virginia line to near the US 58 Bridge in Pittsylvania County, VA.<br />
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Participants will meet at 10:00 am at a private access point on the north side of Berry Hill Bridge on Virginia Route 880/North Carolina Route 1761 (GPS36.543508,-79.605914).<br />
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Three Rivers Outfitters of Eden, 336-627-6215 or <a href="http://www.3-r-o.com/">http://www.3-r-o.com/</a>, will offer boat rentals and shuttle for the float, which will end on private property with the owner's permission.<br />
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Coordinator for the outing is Dr. Will Truslow, avid paddler and past president of DRBA. Truslow says, "This is the first time DRBA has had a paddle through this part of the Dan. Most of the trips is in Virginia with gently moving water, and there is a subtle beauty to the section. We're likely to see blue herons along the way."<br />
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Participants in the outing are asked to bring boat, a life jacket for each boater, lunch, and water. Since the lunch stop will be late in the trip, snacks are recommended.<br />
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Dress in layers of synthetic (quick-drying) fabric or wool, and be prepared for wind or rain. All participants are asked to sign a waiver.<br />
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To reach the put-in from Eden, take NC 770 (Meadow Road) east. Continue into Virginia on County Road 863 (Berry Hill Road). After 0.8 mile, turn right onto County Road 880 (Stateline Road). The destination is through a gate 1/2 mile ont he left.<br />
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From US 29, turn west onto NC700 toward Eden. After 6.9 miles, turn slightly right onto Loop Loop. Take the first right onto Berry Hill Bridge Road. After 2.5 miles, cross the Dan River. Proceed a short distance to the first curve, and turn right through the gate.<br />
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From the west, take US58 east toward Danville. Turn righ5t onto County Road 708 (Long Circle), drive 0.2 mile. Turn left onto County Road 862 (Oak Hill Road); drive 5 miles. Turn right onto County Road 863 (Berry Hill Road); drive 0.8 mile. Take the first left onto County Road 880 (Stateline Road). The destination is through a gate 1/2 mile on the left.<br />
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Outings and meetings of the Dan River Basin Association are open to the public without charge.<br />
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For trip information, contact trip coordinator Will Truslow, 336-547-1903, <a href="mailto:willtruslow@hotmail.com">willtruslow@hotmail.com</a><br />
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For information about the Dan River Basin Association, visit <a href="http://www.danriver.org/">http://www.danriver.org/</a>.Regenia Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10081813660398331302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4242305344542207999.post-11765371777340123242012-02-08T11:19:00.008-05:002012-02-08T12:57:15.083-05:00DRBA Tenth Year Celebration March 3 in Danville<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPC1uk57njJew0DU4VXUcKfovkk47u7rtB_ivLSBPpAATvPyx3-RG6VpayZ3_y7QSZWkFJhH_1oxNGqy6d3RbOibSwdcDAsDGthgvZB86bs2eKoV0JiathoK-koU_q24TeLMBxdhPCk_M/s1600/Riverwalk%252520Worsham%252520bridge%2525202%25252011-08%255B1%255D.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706808283210223586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPC1uk57njJew0DU4VXUcKfovkk47u7rtB_ivLSBPpAATvPyx3-RG6VpayZ3_y7QSZWkFJhH_1oxNGqy6d3RbOibSwdcDAsDGthgvZB86bs2eKoV0JiathoK-koU_q24TeLMBxdhPCk_M/s400/Riverwalk%252520Worsham%252520bridge%2525202%25252011-08%255B1%255D.JPG" /></a> Come and celebrate the Dan River Basin Association's Tenth Anniversary!<br /><br /><div>DRBA's Annual Celebration honoring its first decade will begin at 9:30am on Saturday, March 3, in the Pepsi Building at The Crossing, 661 Craghead Street, Danville, VA (GPS 36.584404,-79.385639). The public is invited free of charge.</div><br /><div>The day's activities will include all the major elements of DRBA's mission- preserving and promoting the region's rivers and culture through education, recreation and stewardship. In addition, a look back over DRBA's many successes during its first ten years will provide inspiration for the coming years' efforts in the mult-county, bi-state river basin.</div><br /><div>After a half hour to enjoy refreshments and view displays, the short business session will include recognition of exceptional volunteer service, election of board members, and staff reports on the Association's extensive activities in Virginia and North Carolina during the past year, as well as a glimpse of the year ahead.</div><br /><div>Featured as the Celebration's speaker is one of DRBA's founding members, Dr. Lindley S. Butler of Wentworth. As a senior North Carolina historian and author of numerous books and articles on local, state, and regional history, Butler is uniquely qualified to present a program on his topic- Dan River Basin Association: Past, Present, and Future.</div><br /><div>Encompassing portions of sixteen counties in Virginia and North Carolina in its 3300 square mile watershed, the Dan River Basin includes six rivers- the Mayo, Smith, Sandy, Banister, Hyco, and of course, the Dan. The Dan River Basin Association was formed in 2002 to preserve and promote the region's abundant natural and cultural resources.</div><br /><div>Recognizing that this beautiful area, extending from the eastern slope of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the broad waters of Kerr (Buggs Island) Lake, shares a history of reliance on the rivers for transportation, commerce, and industry, DRBA provides a unified vision of cooperation across geographic boundaries.</div><br /><div>Butler has provided leadership for DRBA, serving as a founding board member and officer. He spearheaded efforts that ensured the establishment of the Mayo River State Park in North Carolina and the Gravely Nature Preserve in Virginia. In addition, his work on the historic batteau navigation structures in the Dan River earned the placement of many of these structures on the National Register of Historic Places.</div><br /><div>Members and guests will hear reports from the Association's staff, including Executive Director Tiffany Haworth and program managers and coordinators from DRBA's four offices- Collinsville, Virginia and Danbury, Yanceyville, and Eden, North Carolina.</div><br /><div>Following the meeting and lunch provided by each participant, around 1:15pm DRBA members and guests will join Danville Parks, Recreation & Tourism's Outdoor Director Karen Cross on a hike on Danville's Riverwalk. This eight-mile paved trail is a model for trails in the region. Learn more at <a href="http://www.danvilletrails.com/">http://www.danvilletrails.com/</a>.</div><br /><div>Participants in the Celebration are asked to bring a picnic lunch to be eaten at the Pepsi Building, or plan to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant of their choosing. Those joining in the after-lunch hike should wear hiking boots or walking shoes and dress in layers.</div><br /><div>Directions: To reach the Pepsi Building, from 58 Business in downtown Danville, take Main Street south across the Dan River and turn left at the first traffic light onto Craghead Street. Follow that for about 5 blocks until you see the sign for The Crossing at the Dan. The Pepsi Building is on the left beside the parking lot.</div><br /><div>From the Danville Expressway, US 29/US 58, turn north onto Goodyear Blvd (State Route 737). Stay on Goodyear until it ends at Industrial Avenue. Turn right onto Industrial, which will become Craghead Street. Follow Craghead until you see the sign for The Crossing at the Dan. The Pepsi Building is on the right beside the parking lot.</div><br /><div>Meetings and outings of the Dan River Basin Association are free and open to the public. For information about the Celebration or the hike, contact T Butler, <a href="mailto:members@danriver.org">members@danriver.org</a> or (336) 349-5727.</div><br /><div>Membership information is avaible as <a href="mailto:members@danriver.org">members@danriver.org</a>.</div><br /><div></div>Regenia Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10081813660398331302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4242305344542207999.post-41888112894656295762012-01-10T09:28:00.015-05:002012-01-24T10:08:33.188-05:00DRBA - February 4 First Saturday Outing<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTbaK4lyoW8gTfMb6gSAmOvFQfuBQSx5-5RdIFuaDuxqxmjbL3kKEEnHPX9AF2cUoRPk34iHNGZMNYGTiiYDKs5Zn-77sQEVr1Zevd1QJue1adRjYaRe_OWpCQUy5mXdbp7gOAFLY3DZk/s1600/2.4.12+Fairy+Stone.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701215135440835858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTbaK4lyoW8gTfMb6gSAmOvFQfuBQSx5-5RdIFuaDuxqxmjbL3kKEEnHPX9AF2cUoRPk34iHNGZMNYGTiiYDKs5Zn-77sQEVr1Zevd1QJue1adRjYaRe_OWpCQUy5mXdbp7gOAFLY3DZk/s400/2.4.12+Fairy+Stone.jpg" /></a> <br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div align="center">Dan River Basin Association to Hike at Fairy Stone State Park February 4<br />Continuing DRBA’s Tenth Year Celebration<br /></div><br /><div>The Dan River Basin Association (DRBA) will continue its Tenth Year Celebration with a February 4 hike on trails in Virginia’s Fairy Stone State Park. Participants will meet at 10:00 a.m. at the Stuart’s Knob Trailhead on Union Bridge Road (Virginia State Route 623) on the north side of Fairy Stone Lake (GPS 36.798504,-80.116784).<br /></div><br /><div>The two-mile hike will begin with the Iron Mine Trail, which winds along high and steep ridges through areas of rhododendron and stands of beech, pine, hickory, poplar, maple, and sycamore trees. The trail’s namesake feature is the mouth of an old iron mine, its dark opening covered by a barred grate. Remnants of iron ore may be visible alongside the trail.<br /></div><br /><div>The path will then connect to the Upper and Lower Stuart’s Knob loops. After a few climbs and declines and a fine vista of a portion of Fairy Stone Lake, hikers will return to the parking area.<br />The park’s brochure rates the hike as strenuous, but Trip Coordinator Lucas Conkle, chair of DRBA’s Outings Task Force, considers the trails moderate. Switchbacks make it easier to climb the slopes, and Conkle plans to set a gentle pace to allow participants to enjoy the forest, the historic sites, and the views.<br /></div><br /><div>“The Stuart Knob Trail system has a nice mix of views and history,” Conkle says. “It is sure to become one of your favorite hikes if you go on the trip.” </div><br /><div>Fairy Stone State Park, founded in 1936 as the largest of Virginia’s first six state parks, is named for the cross-shaped staurolite, a rare mineral found in the region. Legend says this area was once home to fairies and other woodland creatures. Word of Jesus’ crucifixion so saddened these fairies that they wept tears which crystallized staurolite (silica, iron and aluminum) in the form of Maltese, Roman and St. Andrews crosses. </div><br /><div>At the conclusion of the hike, participants will eat their picnic lunches near the shore of the168-acre Fairy Stone Lake. The waters of the Smith River, delayed by the dam that forms the lake, eventually slip over the Fairy Stone spillway into Philpott Lake.<br /></div><br /><div>The 4,537 acre state park, still one of Virginia’s largest, offers a total of 14 miles on several hiking trails. Conkle recommends that anyone who wants to hike after lunch consider taking the 1.5-mile Whiskey Run Trail around the base of Stuart’s Knob on their own. </div><br /><div>Participants are asked to bring lunch, water and a hiking stick; wear comfortable shoes or hiking boots; dress in layers of water-shedding artificial fabric or wool; and be prepared for rain or wind. All participants will be asked to sign a waiver form.<br /></div><br /><div>Directions: From US 220 at Bassett Forks, VA, turn west onto Hwy 57 (Fairystone Park Highway). Drive 12 ½ miles. Turn right onto Fairystone Lake Drive. Drive ½ mile, and turn left onto Fairystone Farm Lane. Continue onto Union Bridge Road. The destination will be 0.8 miles on the left.<br />From US 58 at Stuart, VA, turn north on Hwy 8. Drive 4 miles, then turn east onto Hwy 57 (Fairystone Park Highway). Drive 8 miles. Turn left onto Fairystone Lake Drive. Drive ½ mile, and turn left onto Fairystone Farm Lane. Continue onto Union Bridge Road. The destination will be 0.8 miles on the left.<br /></div><br /><div>Outings and meetings of the Dan River Basin Association are open to the public without charge.<br />For more information, contact Trip Coordinator Lucas Conkle at <a href="mailto:conklel@alumni.greensboro.edu" target="_blank" _mce_href="mailto:conklel@alumni.greensboro.edu">conklel@alumni.greensboro.edu</a>.<br />For membership information, visit <a href="http://www.danriver.org/" _mce_href="http://www.danriver.org/">http://www.danriver.org/</a>. </div></div></div></div>Regenia Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10081813660398331302noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4242305344542207999.post-12273704853899389532011-12-05T10:02:00.013-05:002011-12-27T10:11:42.455-05:00DRBA to Hike Fieldale Trail January 7<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoD4-iq_3F5WrCXjQoADxFGaXFjJYCCAQY-7f8LAFjiPrXZX9mAf7vJI4FN9ZY_G3xdiyOXudY81bOoNPuS_hTIOINgs_4jjhBYrNX_xA0T5E5CfXej-1NnzqRyXv2cO50G9FvXzjysR8/s1600/hikers+on+trail-2.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682661475091960146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoD4-iq_3F5WrCXjQoADxFGaXFjJYCCAQY-7f8LAFjiPrXZX9mAf7vJI4FN9ZY_G3xdiyOXudY81bOoNPuS_hTIOINgs_4jjhBYrNX_xA0T5E5CfXej-1NnzqRyXv2cO50G9FvXzjysR8/s400/hikers+on+trail-2.JPG" /></a><br />Start of DRBA’s Tenth Year Celebration<br /><br />The Dan River Basin Association (DRBA) will begin its Tenth Year Celebration with a January 7 hike on the Fieldale Trail beside the Smith River in Fieldale, Virginia. Participants will meet at 10:00 a.m. at the Fieldale Park (GPS 36.700615,-79.934185) near the site of the old Fieldale Iron Bridge for an out-and-back stroll coordinated by Friends of the Fieldale Trail volunteers.<br /><br />Hikers may choose to walk a distance of from 1 ½ to 6 miles, since two sections comprise the trail—a 1.5-mile Upper Fieldale Trail from Fieldale Park to the original trailhead, and a 1.5-mile Lower Fieldale Trail downstream from the trailhead. Both segments are flat and easy to walk. Walking the entire distance out and back gives a total of six miles.<br /><br />The Fieldale Trail offers "a golden opportunity to see Mother Nature up close and personal right in our own backyard," according to Adopt-a-Trail volunteers Charles and Pat Dameron. Tommy Wyatt, a leader of DRBA’s Friends of the Fieldale Trail, adds, “The trail is a great place to meet people from the community. Families, children, elderly people, bicyclists, and even people training for marathons use the trail as part of their daily activities.”<br /><br />Hugging the bank of the Smith River, the graveled Upper Fieldale Trail winds through woods and open fields frequented by a variety of birds to the trailhead at the Fieldale Canoe Access, where a restroom is available. From there, the natural-surface Lower Fieldale Trail enters the riverside forest and skirts rhododendron bluffs alongside the river to its downstream terminus. Towering sycamore trees shelter the trail, and gravel bars and rock formations in the streambed give voice to the river.<br /><br />Envisioned at a 2005 planning session of DRBA’s Martinsville-Henry County affiliate, the Fieldale Trial is part of the proposed 45-mile Smith River Trail System from Philpott Dam to the river’s confluence with the Dan River at Eden, NC, as well as the Beaches to Bluegrass Trail across Southern Virginia.<br /><br />One mile of the Upper Fieldale Trail opened in July, 2007 and the Lower Fieldale Trail was dedicated in March, 2009. Built with both public and private support, the trail is operated by Henry County Parks & Recreation.<br /><br />A special attraction is a section of the 1931 Fieldale Iron Bridge that carried traffic across the Smith River for nearly 70 years. When the bridge was replaced in 2009, present and former residents and friends of Fieldale from all over the United States contributed funds, time, and materials to save trusses of the landmark structure. The 54-foot portion of the historic bridge now proudly serves as nearby trail art.<br /><br />Construction of the Textile Heritage Trail, an extension of the Upper Fieldale Trail, is currently underway. The loop trail will feature interpretive signs celebrating the textile heritage on which the town of Fieldale was based. Brian Williams, DRBA’s Program Manager, notes that “a hard-packed gravel surface and boardwalk will make this entire trail handicapped accessible.”<br /><br />Jennifer Doss, Director of Tourism, says, “The Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation is pleased to work in partnership with DRBA to construct the Textile Heritage Trail. Part of our Deep Roots Legacy, this project ties together the wonderful natural resources that our community has to offer, along with its rich heritage of textiles.”<br /><br />Participants in the hike should meet at 10:00 a.m. at Fieldale Park, 188 Field Avenue, at the intersection of Field Avenue and South River Road. Bring lunch, water and a hiking stick; wear comfortable shoes or hiking boots; dress in layers of water-shedding artificial fabric or wool; and be prepared for rain or wind. All participants will be asked to sign a waiver form.<br /><br />Directions: From US 220 take the VA 609 exit towards Fieldale. Turn right at Dillon’s Fork Road, continue on Virginia Avenue, continue on Patrick Avenue, turn right at Field Avenue. Turn right at South River Road, and immediately turn right into the parking lot of the Fieldale Park.<br /><br />Outings and meetings of the Dan River Basin Association are open to the public without charge.<br />For more information, contact Trip Coordinator Paula Wyatt at 276-647-3274 or <a href="mailto:pwyatt1@embarqmail.com">pwyatt1@embarqmail.com</a>.<br />For membership information, visit <a href="http://www.danriver.org/">http://www.danriver.org/</a>.Regenia Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10081813660398331302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4242305344542207999.post-23462549470116903032011-10-19T11:16:00.041-04:002012-03-06T13:14:34.572-05:00Step Back to 1728 with DRBA on December 3 Outing<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxue_LzPD-B-zNOuHv3FaAWPynEz2R3ZPX86vsAs8yXVRVe1vJop9XiWef34t5UlBiJ3aejGcOGCOgetOTSD_8gjToEx_IY589XBIl-YO_PpcnCY2bpjoopVzW-Rb0ly2YHkOsIHlQhmg/s1600/Fall+Creek+Falls+%2528Medium%2529.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667075995759541746" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxue_LzPD-B-zNOuHv3FaAWPynEz2R3ZPX86vsAs8yXVRVe1vJop9XiWef34t5UlBiJ3aejGcOGCOgetOTSD_8gjToEx_IY589XBIl-YO_PpcnCY2bpjoopVzW-Rb0ly2YHkOsIHlQhmg/s400/Fall+Creek+Falls+%2528Medium%2529.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
Dr. Will Truslow, avid outdoorsman and past president of the Dan River Basin Association (DRBA), will coordinate DRBA's First Saturday Outing December 3- a 2.5 mile hike beside the Mayo River. Truslow, who often runs the Mayo River in his kayak, will meet hikers at 10:00am under Anglin Mill Bridge (GPS 36.53454, -79.99010), about 0.3 mile upstream from Mayo Beach, not far om the famous "Boiling Hole."<br />
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From the meeting place, participants will walk north along the Mayo River to Fall Creek. They will turn upstream beside the creek, hikers will proceed downstream along Fall Creek back to the river's edge. They will continue north along the Mayo to a place where the North Mayo and South Mayo rivers meet near the state line.<br />
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Crossing from North Carolina into Virginia, the hikers will arrive at the literal "high point" of the outing: "Byrd's Rock" or "Byrd's Ledge." Here William Byrd, leader of the survey party that established the border between Virginia and Carolina in 1728, viewed his crossing and camping place on the west side of the North Mayo River. In keeping with the survey party's experience, DRBA participants will take their lunch break at Byrd's Ledge.<br />
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Hikers will then retrace their steps to the meeting place, again crossing Fall Creek on large rocks. </div>
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Truslow comments,"This is a flat hike that goes right beside the Mayo River and is just beautiful. Seeing the massive rock formation of the Falls is the highligt of the hike and is very impressive. It's hard to imagine an 18-foot waterfall in Rockingham County.</div>
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Thanks to efforts by DRBA, most of the path, as well as the Fall Creek waterfall are included in North Carolina's Mayo River State Park. In additional, the North Mayo and South Mayo rivers are recognized as Virginia Scenic Rivers for several miles upstream from thier confluence.</div>
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To reach the trailhead under Anglin Mill Bridge, exit US 220, turning west on Smith Road (SR 1360), winding four miles to a T-intersection wth Anglin Mill Road (SR 1358). Turn left on Anglin Mill Road and travel about a half-mile to within less than a mile of the bridge across the Mayo River. Turn left on unpaved Anglin Loop Road (SR 1385). This road will be not far past DeShazo Mill Road and the fire station. At the river, turn right on Mayo Beach Road (SR 1359), following the river upstream past the Boiling Hole to a parking area under the Anglin Mill Bridge. </div>
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Participants are asked to bring a walking stick, lunch and water, to wear stout boots and layered clothing, and to sign a waiver.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 0px;"></span>Meetings and outings of the Dan River Basin Association are free and open to the public. For more information about the outing, contact Will Truslow at (336) 547-1903 or <a href="mailto:willtruslow@hotmail.com">willtruslow@hotmail.com</a>. For information about the Dan River Basin Association visit <a href="http://www.danriver.org/">http://www.danriver.org/</a>.</div>Regenia Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10081813660398331302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4242305344542207999.post-68437894767386277702011-09-28T11:35:00.012-04:002011-11-16T11:08:07.998-05:00DRBA Plans Smith River Float - November 5<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657472463842652402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBfECOAdtVzygG75l6pAY_f7_jhCOVK5e6xUKTXLWlF6XPwnwY-5aG6aBBGGQev4KLNFYZohWtEy4j2_ASBjr8JWUB3GOROcMqRd0Tctp0iDyUpArabOGkZS9YuJw9WTHc6JyP-56set0/s400/Marr-Mitch--WK+%2528Medium%2529.JPG" /> <br /><div><br /><div align="left"><br /><div align="left">DRBA First Saturday Outing on Popular Section!<br /><br />On November 5 the Dan River Basin Association (DRBA) will celebrate autumn with a float on the most popular section of the Smith River-Marrowbone Creek Access to Mitchell Bridge Access in Henry County, Virginia.<br /><br />Meeting at 10:00am at the Richard P. Gravely, Jr. Nature Preserve, 2525 Eggleston Falls Road in Ridgeway, VA (36.611067,-79.817712), the group will launch canoes and kayaks at the nearby access point. The 3.5-mile "blueway" Smith River Trail section, rated Class 1, is suitable for novice paddlers.<br /><br />For boat rentals and shuttle, contact Smith River Adventure Outfitters,276-252-0701, <a href="http://www.smithriveradventureoutfitters.com/">http://www.smithriveradventureoutfitters.com/</a> or Three Rivers Outfitters, 336-627-6215, 276-340-3983, <a href="http://www.3-r-o.com/">http://www.3-r-o.com/</a>.<br /><br />Trip coordinator is Wayne Kirkpatrick, President of DRBA, aided by other DRBA members who frequent this section of the river.<br /><br />For the first half mile of the trip, the river flows alongside the Gravely Nature Preserve's high bluffs where paddlers can glimpse the Rhododenron Trail. As the name implies, the path winds through a rhododenron thicket as it hugs the river's edge.<br /><br />About a mile farther on, Leatherwood Creek enters from river left. Paddlers may choose to enter the wide mouth of the creek and take a leisurely side trip upstream to observe fall foliage and birdlife. Early American patriot Patrick Henry, for whom both Patrick and Henry counties are named, lived on a large plantation near the headwaters of Leatherwood Creek from 1779-1786.<br /><br />Just below the mouth of the Leatherwood Creek is a broad rounded boulder in the middle of the river. Known locally as "Lunch Rock," It makes "a perfect spot to stop for a break," according to "An Insider's Guide to the Smith River," DRBA's detailed river guide available at <a href="http://www.danriver.org/">http://www.danriver.org/</a>.<br /><br />Henry County, in partnership with DRBA, has made the Smith River accessible to the public over the past four years by building public access points at eight new sites along the river, including the Marrowbone Creek Access, which opened in 2007. and Mitchell Bridge Access, built in 2009.<br /><br />Participants are invited to linger after the outing to enjoy the Gravely Nature Preserve, part of the county's "greenway" Smith River Trail system, which was dedicated April 2008. Developed by DRBA and Henry County, with funding from The Harvest Foundation, the 75-acre preserve features two miles of interpretive trails. Historic features include early twentieth-century tobacco barns and the Burgess Family cemetary, reminders of former owners of the property.<br /><br />Industrialist, civic leader, and archaeologist Richard P. Gravely, Jr. owned the property in the late twentieth century and left instructions for its preservation as a wildlife and nature conservancy. The preserve now hosts educational and recreational events for all ages, including day camps, fitness walks, historic presentations, workshops, after-school programs, and geo-caching.<br /><br />Participants in the outing are asked to bring boat and paddles, life jackets, lunch and water, to dress in layers of artificial (quick-drying) fabric and to sign a waiver.<br /><br />To reach the Gravely Nature Preserve from US 220 south of Martinsville, turn east at a traffic light onto Old Sand Road. Cross the US 58 overpass and immediately turn left onto Eggleston Falls Road. Travel about two miles to the preserve, which is on the left, across from the foot of Old Mill Road.<br /><br />Outings and meetings of the Dan River Basin Association are open to the public without charge.<br />For information about the outing, contact Wayne Kirkpatrick, 276-694-4449 or <a href="mailto:wynbtyk@embarqmail.com">wynbtyk@embarqmail.com</a>.<br /><br />For membership information, visit <a href="http://www.danriver.org/">http://www.danriver.org/</a>. </div></div></div>Regenia Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10081813660398331302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4242305344542207999.post-4549722643236027372011-09-06T11:25:00.023-04:002011-12-27T14:16:15.627-05:00DRBA to Clean Historic Section of Dan River<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3tkIlIJRHq2l9likaMucKFCl_ix241JXKKvILZTHzE6TeZ8WWFENl5M-OUPohUbetJMrx1KXJTJFlFRl_C4HBkMzHpvrNaAHUp0SZZTJJ3ujgM_00mI9Yu1SP2f_FokxD_77RE7N4S3k/s1600/Slink+Shoal+Sluice+%2526+Wingdams.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649288054369175554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3tkIlIJRHq2l9likaMucKFCl_ix241JXKKvILZTHzE6TeZ8WWFENl5M-OUPohUbetJMrx1KXJTJFlFRl_C4HBkMzHpvrNaAHUp0SZZTJJ3ujgM_00mI9Yu1SP2f_FokxD_77RE7N4S3k/s400/Slink+Shoal+Sluice+%2526+Wingdams.jpg" /></a> You're invited to DRBA's October 1 outing - a 5-mile cleanup float on the Dan River from Whetstone Creek to Eden. Meet at 10:00am at the NC Wildlife Access in Eden (36.4752, -79.7503), We'll paddle through several navigation sites, well-preserved ninetenth century river structures now on the National Register of Historic Places.<br /><br /><br /><div>Corrdinated by T and Lindley Butler, the cleanup is part of NC Big Sweep, the statewide component of an international watershed cleanup. Participants record the types of trash they find,contributing to statistics that help design educational programs to prevent littering.<br /></div><br /><br /><div>T Butler, who served for many years on the NC Big Sweep Board of Directors, says,"I am extremely proud of DRBA's roll in working to keep our rivers clean and safe. Our goal is litter-free waters throughout the Dan River Basin in North Carolina and Virginia.<br /></div><br /><br /><div>"And", she adds, "DRBA participants always have a good time while we're collecting litter."<br /></div><br /><br /><div>The navigation structure in the Dan, built in the 1820's and expanded as late as the 1880's, include sluices, landings, and wing dams that made the river usable by flatbottomed batteaux, the long, narrow workhorses of nineteenth century river commerce in the region.<br /></div><br /><br /><div>According to Lindley Butler, a senior North Carolina historian,"The structures channel the water through rapids and ledges that would have blocked the batteaux, each of which carried several tons of goods. Present-day recreational users enjoy the effects of these structures, which have been self-maintaining for over 130 years.<br /></div><br /><br /><div>"Because of the navigation system," he continues, "this section is rated as Class 1, suitable for novice paddlers. The improvements made in the 19th century enable us to float the Dan throughout Rockingham County even in times of extreme drought."<br /></div><br /><br /><div>In this section, boaters will pass through several of these improvements, including Galloway's Lower Ford Sluice and Sneed Strong's Fish Dam Sluice. Two miles into the trip, on river left, was the Grief Wade Plantation where coal was mined during the Civil War and shipped by batteau to heat military prisons in Danville.<br /></div><br /><br /><div>Just after passing the confluence of Buffalo Island Creek on river left, boaters will pass under the Harrington Highway Bridge, the site of former Hamlin's (Menzies) Island. Students of river hydrology explain that islands appear and disappear as a result of water action during heavy storms and floods.<br /></div><br /><br /><div>Nearby on river left one may see a fine stand of the river cane common on the river when William Byrd surveyed the "Dividing Line" in 1728 but now gradually disappearing throughout much of the river's length.<br /></div><br /><br /><div>During a lunch break at Leaksville Landing, boaters can view the crib structure in the river to which the nineteenth century batteaux were moored. Leaksville Landing is the only known batteau port in the United States.<br /></div><br /><br /><div>After lunch participants will drift past Johnston's Landing and then the site of the former Leaksville Covered Bridge, where a massive stone pier from the 1852 span survives, along with a 150-foot-long sluice wall on river right.<br /></div><br /><br /><div>One of the last points of interest on the trip will be the confluence of the Smith River, which enters the Dan from river left. More information may be found on Maps 47-50 of <em>An Insider's</em> <em>Guide to the Dan River</em>, available at <a href="http://www.danriver.org/">http://www.danriver.org/</a>.<br /></div><br /><br /><div>Participants in the outing are asked to bring boat, life jackets, gloves, lunch and water, to dress in layers of artificial (quick-drying) fabric and to sign a waiver. Trash bags will be provided.<br /></div><br /><br /><div>Boats may be rented from Three Rivers Outfitters, 336-627-6215, <a href="http://www.3-r-o.com/">http://www.3-r-o.com/</a>.<br /></div><br /><br /><div>To reach Eden Wildlife Access from the north, travel south on NC 14 through the city of Eden. After crossing the Dan River, turn right at the traffic signal onto Harrington Highway. Take the first right, Bethlehem Church Road, turning right again at the Wildlife Access.</div><br /><br /><div>From the south, turn left off NC 14 onto Harrington Highway at the traffic signal just south of the Dan River. Turn right onto Bethlehem Church Road, then turn right to the Wildlife Access.<br /></div><br /><br /><div>From the west, take NC 770 or NC 135 towards Eden. Turn right onto Harrington Highway and continue to Bethlehem Church Road. Turn left, and then right to the Wildlife Access.<br /></div><br /><br /><div>From the northeast take US 58 to Danville's western city limit, turning left on Road 863 to Berryhill Community, where 863 becomes NC 770 West. Follow NC 770 West into Eden to NC 14. Turn left onto NC 14 and travel south through Eden, cross the Dan River and turn right at the traffic signal onto Harrington Highway. Take the first right, Bethlehem Church Road, turning right again at the Wildlife Access. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>For more information, contact T Butler, 336-349-5727, <a href="mailto:members@danriver.org">members@danriver.org</a>. </div><br /><div>For membership information, visit <a href="http://www.danriver.org/">http://www.danriver.org/</a>.</div>Regenia Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10081813660398331302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4242305344542207999.post-5539121360166790242011-08-31T13:00:00.004-04:002011-09-02T15:51:53.754-04:00September 3 Outing - RelocatedThe September 3 First Saturday Outing had to be relocated since the Mayo River is too shallow, and the take-out access point is closed temporarily. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhETT-qA595gr2qs9pGWFuEheCZNtbZ49kRcdA0Indy770ieZwZjLd_E6iNucDQru5tpQsu8pkH9Wgf234mdwtRouFUpl6-Q8eyZAHfnTo1x0SNLA9UCF9p-HgeSBXZozcv7E2RKZmMKji4/s1600/DSC07824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhETT-qA595gr2qs9pGWFuEheCZNtbZ49kRcdA0Indy770ieZwZjLd_E6iNucDQru5tpQsu8pkH9Wgf234mdwtRouFUpl6-Q8eyZAHfnTo1x0SNLA9UCF9p-HgeSBXZozcv7E2RKZmMKji4/s320/DSC07824.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Instead, we will be running the Madison-Jacob's Creek section<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">NC 704 Access in Madison. Group leaders will be at the original put in site to pick up paddlers that did not get the info about the trip change. From the Anglins Mill site they will go to the 704 Madison Access. Most should be there by 10:30-10:45. We'll sign the waivers and set the shuttle from there, so there will be a few minutes' leeway.</span> <br />
<div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Here are the directions to the Madison access point:</span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> <div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> <span style="font-size: medium;">Take </span></span></span><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">US 220 South</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;"> toward Greensboro.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">Cross Dan River, and take first ramp onto <b>NC 704</b> toward Madison. </span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">At the first traffic light, turn <b>right</b> onto <b>Market Street</b> (small brown sign directs to Dan River Access). </span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">4.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">Go two blocks, and turn <b>right</b> onto <b>Murphy Street</b>. </span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">5.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">Cross the railroad tracks and turn <b>right</b> at the bottom of the hill onto <b>Water Street</b>. </span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">6.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">Continue under the bridge. The access site is on the left.</span></div></span></span></div>Regenia Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10081813660398331302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4242305344542207999.post-11426891911883081552011-08-23T11:04:00.011-04:002011-08-31T12:59:56.897-04:00DRBA SEPTEMBER 3 OUTING - FLOATS MAYO RIVERYou're invited! Spend part of your Labor Day holiday close to home, in a beautiful setting with friendly companions, as DRBA floats the Mayo River in Rockingham County, NC on September 3.
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<br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXGrdNVQ6nnbnaEGY5k3DyWOZfZTXCwna16unU_xZq2w5u4KTOS-TG_qRWoULVC8QI2zTNX4rASKNIRFnnaqFxKfQNtdhBUJVqWOCMb8D0V6X5hSbzKMeZq3n6aK_oCAqaBJ1Jw9G4jbLv/s1600/DSC01534.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXGrdNVQ6nnbnaEGY5k3DyWOZfZTXCwna16unU_xZq2w5u4KTOS-TG_qRWoULVC8QI2zTNX4rASKNIRFnnaqFxKfQNtdhBUJVqWOCMb8D0V6X5hSbzKMeZq3n6aK_oCAqaBJ1Jw9G4jbLv/s320/DSC01534.JPG" width="320" height="240" /></a></div>
<br /><div>Meeting at 10:00 am at Old Anglin Mill Road (GPS 36.52976, -79.98952), downstream from Anglin Mill Bridge, this First Saturday Outing will cover nine and a half miles to US 220 Business Access, near the towns of Stoneville and Mayodan.
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<br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn8-sUtD3YDOXAqOC7MHxfq_Zgshl_31_pDY7CKGByPx8mjzxV7nxXbItcN1pTMlwrtahhcRycAOpKh7FSl4JKzAx0vOsa9UWgld8mpDriqXxX-goDNjANHU-ySJSl6x-_fTa06bY4BbIV/s1600/DSC04432.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn8-sUtD3YDOXAqOC7MHxfq_Zgshl_31_pDY7CKGByPx8mjzxV7nxXbItcN1pTMlwrtahhcRycAOpKh7FSl4JKzAx0vOsa9UWgld8mpDriqXxX-goDNjANHU-ySJSl6x-_fTa06bY4BbIV/s320/DSC04432.JPG" width="320" height="240" /></a></div>Trip coordinator is experienced paddler, musician, and solar power pioneer Kirby Wilkins, known for his musical talent and scientific acumen. Wilkins, a guitarist with his own band, also repairs guitars and gives guitar lessons. He often sets up his telescope away from city lights and sometimes teaches about stars at Rockingham Community College.
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<br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQIjNZ9JJRYPcPo13oYK-S2ZynK3L3trIYgjMZNex8Op9MfPdFDU3Mxgk3XGfOpDwNwlUg3J904_CElqvgAYBmajiBRQmPxgQCmVwI6bNaZ14rzvlayYHenEapbg6JtAj3BnIbzu3qQiqD/s1600/DSC01455.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQIjNZ9JJRYPcPo13oYK-S2ZynK3L3trIYgjMZNex8Op9MfPdFDU3Mxgk3XGfOpDwNwlUg3J904_CElqvgAYBmajiBRQmPxgQCmVwI6bNaZ14rzvlayYHenEapbg6JtAj3BnIbzu3qQiqD/s320/DSC01455.JPG" width="320" height="240" /></a></div>The Mayo River between Mayo Beach and the US 220 Business Access is a fairly easy section of Class 1 and Class 2 rapids suitable for a family outing. There is one tricky rapid just below the put-in which can be avoided by putting in downstream from it. Those with a yen for a little more excitement will have the option of running the famous "Boiling Hole" and the "S-turn" (alias "Blender") before proceeding with the rest of the trip. </div>
<br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLXAB5WQHQUNtmv6GfVLvNTSkdED4t1BIOju3NhrQHomcWOIPl-GlCzFKbcuwcXnr7XiyxavgjM336eujFRDPREtjas0Lm2Ofo0yvxjwbpEVnD-vTDRm-C1_XCtkE6CKru24V95gfEQ5jt/s1600/DSC04448.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLXAB5WQHQUNtmv6GfVLvNTSkdED4t1BIOju3NhrQHomcWOIPl-GlCzFKbcuwcXnr7XiyxavgjM336eujFRDPREtjas0Lm2Ofo0yvxjwbpEVnD-vTDRm-C1_XCtkE6CKru24V95gfEQ5jt/s320/DSC04448.JPG" width="320" height="240" /></a></div>
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<br />Participants in the outing are asked to bring boat, life jacket, lunch and water, to dress in artificial (quick-drying) fabric and to sign a waiver.
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<br />Direction: To reach the put-in, from 220 north of Stoneville, exit onto Smith Road (SR 1360) and turn west. Go four miles to a T-intersection with Anglin Mill Road (SR 1358). Turn left on Anglin Mill Road and travel about a half-mile to within less than a mile of the Anglin Mill Bridge over the Mayo. Turn left onto unpaved Old Anglin Mill Road (SR 1385). Go one-half mile to a T-intersection with Mayo Beach Road (SR 1359).
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<br />Information: Trip Coordinator Kirby Wilkins, 336-349-5948. </div>
<br />Regenia Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10081813660398331302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4242305344542207999.post-45791325625415275342011-08-08T13:31:00.017-04:002011-08-09T09:10:45.586-04:00Smith River Cleanup<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq3m_kiZnwQlpn4-TIJkqE3xXrGhePHP6Qr6nOR2_oZGPG64Z6wQcEtG4xTZc5grlHidqvpe5HmCBGeAFAvrI5AW3OuZAUp91elLNOcAgsa77LYSTNU9ZFsMGqWjNZJtjhI9fhpwBx1jk/s1600/IMGP5872.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638541150045888194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq3m_kiZnwQlpn4-TIJkqE3xXrGhePHP6Qr6nOR2_oZGPG64Z6wQcEtG4xTZc5grlHidqvpe5HmCBGeAFAvrI5AW3OuZAUp91elLNOcAgsa77LYSTNU9ZFsMGqWjNZJtjhI9fhpwBx1jk/s400/IMGP5872.JPG" border="0" /></a> Volunteers once again gave back to the Smith River Saturday, August 6, 2011, as Gateway Streetscapes, Dan River Basin Association and Smith River Trout Unlimited combined forces for a clean sweep down a one mile section of the river, loading canoes, supplied for free by Smith River Adventures Outfitters, with everything from plastic bags to old tires.
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<br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638545495974882802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9IbpvH4gvQkhA-XA89qGyvT2qc9pCR1xDt3H43N2KViQjbirAAjOQ-ivxloutG2DNaia31IyAnN_YJcP6rIzciynqHNcYhMSNqCvooq1NhTZ4rPzqnb8w4NC1s3WSUz5Df9ctfeT452w/s400/IMGP5865.JPG" border="0" /> “I think the river grows tires on the bottom down in this section,” said Lisa Hall, Trout Unlimited volunteer.
<br />“There certainly were an abundance of tires littering the bottom of the Smith, we can’t get them all but we’ll get what we can in one day”, said Eric Capps of Gateway.
<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638539404106785634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRWXN_eG_v_Fc6KVGtxkxrl4_MffXBx8C5VR2KJWVjReaO01RVoXX8s2AwAjl72_LE9FS_F8MHkMQas5G_1q-ToTCAurRciftkX-ZE6oKfbyG63kQUkmVMscsp_fuk4ioBjA_dc7w_i9U/s400/IMGP4669.JPG" border="0" /> The section from Fieldale Bridge to the Fieldale Trail Canoe Ramp was selected as the target area. About 25 volunteers showed up to help out unfortunately, most were the same volunteers who show up whenever these events are done. “We haven’t figured out yet how to get all the “talkers” and other users of the resource off their butts to give back a little” said Al Kittredge. Seems like that attitude of “let the other guy do it” is what’s wrong with the country today.
<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638541751665408114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdmatG-6PW-2s4w4HZVz3s0JSzhNXw6Oo6x-aUyZ-Z9_copy3AdpBAv_LTy4ZeBlBoIqwg3zu3utvOPrkGmRlqIsceGPmpIWQmjjS4AVp3IWSgwW7H5whpthe96qDa4wFCK6Ob_oCLxF0/s400/IMGP5868.JPG" border="0" />A cookout was held after the clean-up to feed the group and plan for the next one! Our heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers for coming out to lend a hand in making this a cleaner place to live and play.</div></div></div>
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<br />Regenia Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10081813660398331302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4242305344542207999.post-73842497748441355182011-07-25T14:08:00.009-04:002011-07-25T14:17:58.236-04:00Friends of Philpott Gear Swap<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghTPwBOuc45UVygNvyqtfzlC4zWessJ0C1yZcf6ecA7WnLP_mm3NfJ0imI5_-pwBWeKUE6uRNQUjGK39CF7O8ic6HtoycHP-J2tZxNModG_XYvEesTIfwuynmkHkUzLMFZHjF_OpNh3YU/s1600/gear_swap6.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633353854495360002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghTPwBOuc45UVygNvyqtfzlC4zWessJ0C1yZcf6ecA7WnLP_mm3NfJ0imI5_-pwBWeKUE6uRNQUjGK39CF7O8ic6HtoycHP-J2tZxNModG_XYvEesTIfwuynmkHkUzLMFZHjF_OpNh3YU/s400/gear_swap6.jpg" border="0" /></a>Saturday, August 13 · 9:00am - 4:00pm<br /><br />Smith River Sports Complex - Smith River Fest<br />1000 Irisburg Road<br />Axton, Virginia<br /><br />At the main festival grounds. Earn some extra cash! Bring your unwanted, gently used recreational gear and accessories so they can find a new home at the gear swap hosted by Friends of Philpott Lake.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633354789318004866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 264px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 265px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjFQo8EJa42QbaNA5Kw_E5J64DBP6HJfMNc_qUBZB68LwKU3XNcEMoGGN1EkTb0xyLZoNu7R7lT9S_E2K8-RSZbtFRMoE1CA50VKgZQfvj9nvoKM_oGTEr3AFXoeiOb19-LirMNu7beqA/s400/ADA-wheelchair_drivepnl.jpg" border="0" /> A 10% commission fee from each sale will benefit the development of Bowens Creek Park, a fully handicap accessible recreation facility.<br /><br /><br /><div>For those that are not able to attend. Friends of Philpott will make arrangements to pick-up/drop off items you want to sale at the Gear Swap and settle afterwards.<br />Contact: Linda Drage, Complete Handicap Wellness Park @ Bowens Creek: Chairperson<br /><a href="mailto:ldrage@comcast.net" target="_blank">ldrage@comcast.net</a> or call 276-681-6805.</div>Regenia Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10081813660398331302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4242305344542207999.post-67853741724711571162011-07-05T09:59:00.019-04:002011-07-15T16:58:15.435-04:00The Explorer's Club<div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdm97bLNxi4-f5iSg3wtw5wUXxGScjEeVV1htEIMtsqt90dgVEqi4UA6XGNcAtt7EroLu1KOdZR70sgWAlJgBK3OjzEu1jUvfiXG-ENNEs37G3i3NiLoy21fvMa5MPSvpUQ768LI6b8ZV1/s1600/IMGP3287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="327" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdm97bLNxi4-f5iSg3wtw5wUXxGScjEeVV1htEIMtsqt90dgVEqi4UA6XGNcAtt7EroLu1KOdZR70sgWAlJgBK3OjzEu1jUvfiXG-ENNEs37G3i3NiLoy21fvMa5MPSvpUQ768LI6b8ZV1/s400/IMGP3287.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>A group of eight local students had no idea what was in store for them as they scampered their way down rocks and through a hidden passage to a beautiful, majestic waterfall nestled right in the heart of Kibler Valley! <br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj75sQ9BeFmKJmrj-YB1BwdjOGieCU2LU49Vrg2DVq6GncndXxazUoWOjxXfr5soiH3xvLi2mY-zFJ-Mb_mNdZs9mg2kdwZCQBjJMBXHbbN5NVeGG1vUftZKP_RaQTsPRbZB6S71IszZeB3/s1600/DSCN0702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625873897084852354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj75sQ9BeFmKJmrj-YB1BwdjOGieCU2LU49Vrg2DVq6GncndXxazUoWOjxXfr5soiH3xvLi2mY-zFJ-Mb_mNdZs9mg2kdwZCQBjJMBXHbbN5NVeGG1vUftZKP_RaQTsPRbZB6S71IszZeB3/s400/DSCN0702.JPG" style="display: block; height: 300px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Thanks to an exciting new program, known as the Explorer’s Club, developed by the Dan River Basin Association, a select group of students became the first participants in this new adventure to experience and learn about everything from kayaking and canoeing to map and compass orientation and even wilderness survival skills. The students ranged in age from 10 to 13 and all were from the Martinsville-Henry County area. They were brought together through a selection process which involved filling out an extensive application providing summaries of their backgrounds and brief narrations of why they would like to be a part of the program. They spent eight days together acquiring new skills and experiences in the outdoors. </div><div class="MsoNormal">The young explorers met almost every day for two weeks and learned about topics such as how to survive in the outdoors, how to explore without leaving a trace, and how to identify certain plants like trees and wild flowers. They were encouraged to push their comfort zones and explore beyond their usual boundaries while learning how to kayak and canoe and take wilderness hikes. The group was lead by Smith River Adventure Outfitters, Eric Judday and botany enthusiast, Chad Lange. Each day the group was also accompanied by a DRBA staff member or DRBA volunteer.<br />
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When the group first came together, the young explorers were anxious to get started but also a little shy about being around people they had never met before. After a few days, the kids were no longer strangers; they had broken out of their shells and became a tight group that could depend on one another. Each child showed how adventurous and courageous they really were when it came time to try something new. On one hike, a northern water snake was discovered and each explorer got a chance to touch or hold the snake. On another day, Wayne Kirkpatrick, DRBA President introduced the group to all kinds of aquatic life and all the explorers were brave enough to try their hand at holding a crayfish that was found hiding in the river. Lisa Hall, DRBA volunteer also spent some time teaching the techniques of fly fishing to the explorers on the beautiful Smith River.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMnW5xzOzAKZQpKzrBisoroqJRzSgumdum8iitW5ZbdmuB60_aE6tUTWIIy1OZlap7KnKxbreid5pTLX2tbbzMECfJdBzFHRMnC3eL4nFLpViABziT4F7qalY9fqX7_cRznCeVmnfNt0Aj/s1600/DSCN0711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625879049507206898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMnW5xzOzAKZQpKzrBisoroqJRzSgumdum8iitW5ZbdmuB60_aE6tUTWIIy1OZlap7KnKxbreid5pTLX2tbbzMECfJdBzFHRMnC3eL4nFLpViABziT4F7qalY9fqX7_cRznCeVmnfNt0Aj/s400/DSCN0711.JPG" style="display: block; height: 300px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJR5AFrcpWCAMLkb5m7K12GTAVi3wbyB1rkvxsFcN7EC0VGxmEn9Ljx2wmbPIzvgOtJwv2zZcLbf6rCVA_hFk72PIAjOLNUZHfEir9C0cCSNOMTKunBCvieLVfrqgrF6gjjDLI-6wyoq8r/s1600/DSCN0732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625880123833152914" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJR5AFrcpWCAMLkb5m7K12GTAVi3wbyB1rkvxsFcN7EC0VGxmEn9Ljx2wmbPIzvgOtJwv2zZcLbf6rCVA_hFk72PIAjOLNUZHfEir9C0cCSNOMTKunBCvieLVfrqgrF6gjjDLI-6wyoq8r/s400/DSCN0732.JPG" style="display: block; height: 300px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div>When it was time for all the fun to be over, it was no doubt that this group of young, courageous explorers would go back to their daily lives with a new kind of self assurance and courage. Hopefully, one day when passing a local stream or river, a glimpse of something they learned or experienced will make them smile and they will share it with their friends and family so they too can want to be a part of enjoying the outdoors. All of this was made possible through sponsorship of the Dan River Basin Association and funding from the Harvest Foundation.</div><div><br />
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625877338951592066" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3WJJsPuKByJ4-mbpVmBpviZW897IsLWhXMZsA8KofqlcYJ7v0ZmLLSZ0anTJXp2M9fNRLKHnLHR-bfPbEBR-Jl2k27Dgovg0Sd1cRe9QoEiNQ_3i5DAhEbXo8QljlqvAIvNWv4qHv_DH3/s400/DSCN0730.JPG" style="display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490516642033798508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4242305344542207999.post-16877032214557084512011-06-30T13:48:00.012-04:002011-06-30T14:17:35.897-04:00First Saturday Outing - July 2<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAKTJe7trVDm5hd8f3QJfHzVxzmzXi64izP_yGIV1MkW4xOgpX5kI4llrLdXrzmKrBZFyPfzEwu56NSoZ6-TO1IZBqmdYZ6n6sQFLzUZHoXRPeCRT9EoI-p2Lffimjeuca2l_NKl03ulU/s1600/DSC01255.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624074571691196626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAKTJe7trVDm5hd8f3QJfHzVxzmzXi64izP_yGIV1MkW4xOgpX5kI4llrLdXrzmKrBZFyPfzEwu56NSoZ6-TO1IZBqmdYZ6n6sQFLzUZHoXRPeCRT9EoI-p2Lffimjeuca2l_NKl03ulU/s400/DSC01255.JPG" border="0" /></a> The Dan River Basin Association's First Saturday Outing on July 2 will be a 5-mile round-trip paddle on Philpott Lake from Ryan's Branch to Emerson Falls.<br /><br /><div>Meet at Ryan's Branch on the Union Bridge Road (GPS 36.849853,-80.10227).<br />Dress in layers of synthetic fabric, wear sunscreen and hat, and bring boat, paddles, life jackets, lunch and water.</div><br /><div>Free and open to the public. </div><br /><div>For more information contact: Craig S. Rockwell, 276-629-4512 Ex 224, Craig.S.Rockwell@usace.army.mil</div>Regenia Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10081813660398331302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4242305344542207999.post-570294478558343712011-06-27T10:34:00.015-04:002011-06-27T13:17:02.796-04:00PHILPOTT LAKE PHOTO CONTEST<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFXxCEDJbrR_-ckPhIqoG95dooS6eZGsItaj2oiz00MyfnR53Si22LEVGw1Sdhu627Oj0TV64tqWdgdHcY2nHTdxtZgiepHSlAaKmxs2ndgd7E1AYvXwpIn865wQY4uSVbmgHaD9GksgU/s1600/IMGP8099.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622920761231132626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFXxCEDJbrR_-ckPhIqoG95dooS6eZGsItaj2oiz00MyfnR53Si22LEVGw1Sdhu627Oj0TV64tqWdgdHcY2nHTdxtZgiepHSlAaKmxs2ndgd7E1AYvXwpIn865wQY4uSVbmgHaD9GksgU/s400/IMGP8099.jpg" border="0" /></a> Here is your chance to enter your picture and a chance to win some fantastic prizes including money (Based on the number of entries)???<br />PHILPOTT LAKE PHOTO CONTEST<br />THIS CONTEST IS INTENDED FOR ANYONE REGARDLESS OF AGE<br /><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br /><div>1. THERE WILL BE A $15.00 DONATION FOR EACH ENTRY. ENTRANTS MAY ENTER AS MANY TIMES AS THEY WISH.<br />ALL PROFIT FROM ENTRY FEES WILL GO TO THE BOWENS CREEK HANDICAP WELLNESS PARK.For the purposes of this Contest, no judges or anyone associated with judges, including family members, will be able to enter.<br /></div><br /><br /><div>2. CONTEST ENTRY PERIOD: The Contest Entry Period begins at 12:00:00 a.m. Eastern Time (“EST”) on April 18, 2011 and ends at 11:59:59 p.m. EST on June 30, 2011. Entries must be received and recorded by Photo Contest Manager’s computer during the Contest Entry Period. The Photo Contest Manager’s computer is the official time keeping device for the Contest.<br /></div><br /><br /><div>3. TO PARTICIPATE: To participate in the Contest, contacted Linda Drage by email <a href="mailto:ldrage@comcast.net" target="_blank">ldrage@comcast.net</a> during the Contest Entry Period and follow the instructions to enter and upload a creative, well composed and well lit photo of the Philpott Dam/Lake in any direction<br /></div><br /><br /><div>THE DAM NO LATER NEEDS TO BE IN THE PICTURE. Each photo must have a signed entry form. Signed forms maybe mail to Linda Drage; 330 Mack Rd., Martinsville, VA 24112. All photos must be sent by email. By participating, you agree to be bound by these Rules and the decisions of the judges, which are final and binding in all respects<br /></div><br /><br /><div>By submitting an Entry, you hereby grant Sponsor consent, the right to copy, publish, display and otherwise use your Photo for purposes of the this Contest or for any advertising or publicity on behalf of the Sponsor and you agree that the Photo may be cropped, or otherwise altered for this purpose only. The Entrants will still remain the owner of the photo.<br /></div><br /><br /><div>All Entrants must have a valid email address. In the event of a dispute regarding Entries received from multiple users having the same email account, the authorized subscriber of the email account at the time of submission will be deemed to be the Entrant and must comply with these Rules<br /></div><br /><div>4. PHOTO SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:</div><br /><ul><br /><li>Photo must be in JPEG format</li><br /><li>Photo must be an attachment not imdded in the email</li><br /><li>Photo may not be sexually explicit or suggestive, unnecessarily violent or derogatory of any ethnic, racial, gender, religious, profane or pornographic, cantain nudity or any dangerous activity.</li><br /><li>Photo may not promote alcohol, illegal dugs, tobacco, firearms/weapons (or any use of any of the foregoing), any actiities that may appear unsafe or dangerous, or any particular political agenda or message</li><br /><li>Photo may not be obscene or offensive, endorse any form of hate or hate group</li><br /><li>Photo may not defame, misrepresent or contain disparaging remarks about Sponsor or other people, products or companies.</li><br /><li>Photo may not contain trademarks, logos or trade dress owned by others, or advertise or promote any brand or product of any kind, or contain any personal identification, such as license plate numbers, personal names, e-mail addresses or street address.</li><br /><li>Photo may not contain copyrighted material owned by others (including potographs, sculpture, paintings and other works of art or images published on or in websites, television, movies or other media).</li><br /><li>Photo may not communicate messages or images inconsistent with the positive images and/or goodwill to which Sponsor wishes to associate<br />Photo may not depect, and cannot itself, be in violation of any law<br />ENTRIES POSTED TO THE EMAIL ADDRESS ABOVE WILL NOT BE EDITED BY SPONSOR FOR THE CONTEST AND ARE THE VIEWS/OPINIONS OF THE INDIVIDUAL ENTRANT AND DO NOT REFLECT THE VIEWS OF SPONSOR IN ANY MANNER.</li></ul><br /><div>5. WINNER SELECTION: All eligible Entries will be judged by independent judges, whose decisions regarding this Contest are final and binding in all respects, based on the following criteria: (a) 40% Adherence to Theme, (b) 30% Creativity, (c) 15% Composition and (d) 15% Focus/Lighting. In the event of a tie, the tie will be broken based on the highest score in the “Creativity” Judging Criteria. If a tie continues, then a tie(s) will be broken by the Entry with highest cumulative score in the second criteria, continuing thereafter to the third criteria, as needed, to break the tie the three Entries with the highest scores will receive a prize as set forth below.<br /></div><br /><br /><div>6. PRIZES: One (1) First Prize: The Entrant with the highest score will receive a check for half the amount from total entries. The Entrant with the second highest score will receive a prize to be stated later; as well as the Entrant with the third highest score. Each Entrant will receive a Dam Post Card from the Dam Collectables. Limit one (1) prize per person. If a prize, or any portion thereof, cannot be awarded for any reason, Sponsor reserves the right to substitute prize with another prize of equal or greater value. Prizes won by minors will be awarded along with minor's parent or legal guardian, who must sign and return form. </div><br /><br /><div>7. WINNER NOTIFICATION: Winners will be notified on June 30, 2011. Sponsor is not responsible for any change of email, mailing address and/or telephone number of Entrants.<br />8. GENERAL CONDITIONS: By participating, Entrants agree to these Rules, which are final and binding in all respects. If the Winner cannot be reached within ten (10) business days of notification or winner is found to be ineligible or not in compliance with these Rules, prize will be forfeited. By entering, each winner grants (and will confirm that grant in writing) permission to Sponsor the right to use the winner’s name, picture, likeness, voice, biographical information, and Entry (whether modified, edited, used alone, or used with other works) at any time, in any form, in any media, without compensation of any kind and without notice, review, or approval. Entrants further agree that submission of an Entry is gratuitous and made without restriction, and will not place Sponsor under any obligation.<br />You will need to certify that you are the photographer and sole copyright owner of the submitted Photo, and you have obtained consent of all identifiable persons shown in the Photo for use by Sponsor as set forth herein. By signing you are agreeing to the terms of the contest.You can get your form by emailing request to Linda Drage: <a href="mailto:ldrage@comcast.net" target="_blank">ldrage@comcast.net</a> or calling me at 276-681-6805. You can also pick -up at the Bassett Community Market any Thursday afternoon from noon to 3:00 PM.</div></div></div>Regenia Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10081813660398331302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4242305344542207999.post-58409837372676702432011-05-19T23:04:00.000-04:002011-05-19T23:04:55.363-04:00Smith River Mini-Triathlon<b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">Smith River Mini-Triathlon</span></u></b><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjACAaX2ITk_5KXkQ0D95CVSuytAWvuEpfpInVgO6hyphenhyphenzRdbMdnwAPFugRoGYE07FdL1vch0rOwCuNlmvz3GnPmr-bF08LkLNPgnlDTuOnKHDxjDzwa-RvqvSvd9PbQeFJEx6G7cPSfX9kg4/s1600/IMGP2129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjACAaX2ITk_5KXkQ0D95CVSuytAWvuEpfpInVgO6hyphenhyphenzRdbMdnwAPFugRoGYE07FdL1vch0rOwCuNlmvz3GnPmr-bF08LkLNPgnlDTuOnKHDxjDzwa-RvqvSvd9PbQeFJEx6G7cPSfX9kg4/s320/IMGP2129.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">Run</span></b></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">: 1.2 miles along the beautiful Smith River <b><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Paddle</span></b>: 1.2 miles on the Smith River's class I rapids. <b><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Bike</span></b>: 2.5 miles on paved and natural surface terrain. Experienced mountain bikers for bike leg. Awards for 1st, 2nd, 3rd place finishers. </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">All pre-registered participants receive a T-shirt. </span><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">Classes: </span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">Solo-Youth, Male, & Female. Team-All Male, All Female, Coed different age increments. Call 403-5140 for more inf. Registration brochures are online at <a href="http://www.martinsville-va.gov/Parks-and-Recreation.html" target="_blank">www.martinsville-va.gov/Parks-and-Recreation.html</a> or call us for a registration brochure. <br />
</span><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">DATE/TIME: Saturday, May 21, Registration and check in 9am-9:45am. Race starts at 10am <br />
11:15am-Awards ceremony at Trailhead <br />
LOCATION: Fieldale Trail Head, (Off River Rd., Fieldale, VA)<br />
FEE: $15 per participant, $20 fee day of the event <br />
</span><b><span style="color: #996633; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">Kayaks & Canoes available to rent - $15 - Smith River Outfitters, Must reserve <u>kayaks by calling </u></span></b><b><u><span style="color: #996633; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">252-0701 or canoes - 403-5140 </span></u></b><b><span style="color: #996633; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">& they will be onsite</span></b><b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">.</span></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibG3JdapZ9Z1yah_OOfPInFuCNHLfMIrEKBoTchyMpvYKnBvWSVeWOb1Y0hfZTTJBBedogtSCGYb3LAipUOVkftcUaO6ILOEDQt4yAcvI1kuAdwb4BaYGc4KwREIzvNEokpKrN4ipyHjNR/s1600/mother+and+daughter-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibG3JdapZ9Z1yah_OOfPInFuCNHLfMIrEKBoTchyMpvYKnBvWSVeWOb1Y0hfZTTJBBedogtSCGYb3LAipUOVkftcUaO6ILOEDQt4yAcvI1kuAdwb4BaYGc4KwREIzvNEokpKrN4ipyHjNR/s320/mother+and+daughter-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10891146601333048129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4242305344542207999.post-33416286186639284432011-05-19T22:31:00.000-04:002011-06-30T15:56:31.386-04:00<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#ffffff" id="EditableText3" style="color: #052d4d; font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: 24px; padding: 10px 10px 20px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 14pt;"><b><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">You’re invited!</span> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Draper Landing to Berry Hill Float June 4</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MX7Tvz4pGYY/TdXSKPgBeNI/AAAAAAAAOL8/5wcEMazd76E/s1600/DSC05731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MX7Tvz4pGYY/TdXSKPgBeNI/AAAAAAAAOL8/5wcEMazd76E/s320/DSC05731.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Join in DRBA’s seven-mile float on the Dan River from Eden’s Draper Landing Access to Berry Hill Bridge on June 4, coordinated by Will Truslow, DRBA’s past president.<br /></span></div></span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Meet at 10:00 a.m. at the access’s graveled parking lot beside the NC 700 Bridge to set the shuttle (GPS 36.4987, -79.6814). Three Rivers Outfitters of Eden, 336-627-6215 or <a href="http://app.expressemailmarketing.com/get.link?linkid=2848467&subscriberid=116948306&campaignid=773391&linkurl=http%3a%2f%2fwww.3-r-o.com%2f" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">www.3-R-O.com</span></a>, will offer boat rentals and shuttle for the float, which will end on private property with the owner’s permission.<br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">In this river trip of Class I water, participants will navigate at least seven ledges and shoals with long-standing historic names found on old maps. Six of these have been made easier to navigate by structures such as sluice walls built in the nineteenth century by the Roanoke Navigation Company (founded 1812), a joint effort of Virginia and North Carolina, and by the US Army Corps of Engineers. The sluice walls concentrate the river’s water at shallow ledges, creating a narrow channel deep enough to float long, narrow batteaux, the commercial “semi-trailers” of early river travel.<br /> </span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Nearly a century before the river was improved for navigation, in 1728 a survey team led by Virginia’s William Byrd determined the “dividing line” between North Carolina and Virginia. Byrd named the Dan River for the river in northern Israel and gave names that still survive to many of the river’s tributaries. One was Cascade Creek, which enters from river left about halfway through the trip, so called “by reason of the multitude of waterfalls that are in it” some distance before it reaches the Dan.<br /> </span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Devil’s Jump Shoal, just downstream from Cascade Creek, is named for impressive mid-river rocks. On river right less than a mile downstream from Devil’s Jump is the confluence of the Dan with Tanyard Creek, named for the tannery owned by John Morehead, father of North Carolina Governor John Motley Morehead, who grew up nearby.<br /> </span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Between two old sluice walls of Tanyard Shoal, separated by nearly a half-mile of the Dan’s flow, is a place called on an 1823 survey “The Wreck,” according to William E. Trout III, author of the Dan River Atlas. “Why?” he asks, inviting future river mappers to solve the mystery.<br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Other examples of intriguing nineteenth-century labels are Beasley’s Gallows Shoal Sluice and the well-preserved Hairston’s Fish Trap Sluice, likely modified from an Amerindian fish weir of 1000 years ago.<br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The trip is part of the series of over 100 First Saturday Outings that have been offered by DRBA almost from its inception. Other interesting facts about the geology, history, and culture of this section of the river are found in Maps 42 – 45 of “An Insider’s Guide to the Dan River in North Carolina and Virginia,” available at <a href="http://app.expressemailmarketing.com/get.link?linkid=2848468&subscriberid=116948306&campaignid=773391&linkurl=http%3a%2f%2fwww.danriver.org%2f" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">www.danriver.org</span></a></span></span></div></span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">.</span></span></span></span></span><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div></span></span></b></span></td> </tr><tr> <td align="center" bgcolor="#d3d3d3" style="border-left: 10px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right: 10px solid rgb(255, 255, 255);" valign="bottom"><div style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://app.expressemailmarketing.com//images/gallery/Templates/CampaignTemplate238/spacer.gif" /></div></td> </tr><tr> <td bgcolor="#ffffff"><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Participants in the outing are asked to provide boat, life jacket, lunch and water, to dress in layers of artificial (quick-drying) fabric and to sign a waiver. </span></span></div></td> </tr><tr> <td bgcolor="#ffffff"><div style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /><img alt="" height="8" src="http://app.expressemailmarketing.com//images/gallery/Templates/CampaignTemplate238/spacer.gif" /></div></td> </tr><tr> <td align="center" bgcolor="#d3d3d3" style="border-left: 10px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right: 10px solid rgb(255, 255, 255);" valign="bottom"><div style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://app.expressemailmarketing.com//images/gallery/Templates/CampaignTemplate238/spacer.gif" /></div></td> </tr><tr> <td bgcolor="#ffffff"><br /></td> </tr><tr> <td bgcolor="#ffffff"><div style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><img alt="" height="8" src="http://app.expressemailmarketing.com//images/gallery/Templates/CampaignTemplate238/spacer.gif" /></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Directions:</b> To reach Draper Landing Access (GPS 36.4987, -79.6814) from the north or west, take NC 14 to NC 700 East. Travel on NC 700 about 4 miles through Eden to the bridge over the Dan River. After crossing the bridge, go 0.1 mile and turn left into the gravel driveway to the access. </span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br />From the south take US 29 North, turning left (west) on NC 700. Just past Quesinberry Road, turn right into the gravel driveway to the access beside the NC 700 Bridge over the Dan. </span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">From the east take US 29 South, turning right (west) on NC 700, and proceed as described above.</span><br /></span></div></td> </tr><tr> <td align="center" bgcolor="#d3d3d3" style="border-left: 10px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right: 10px solid rgb(255, 255, 255);" valign="bottom"><div style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><img alt="" height="1" src="http://app.expressemailmarketing.com//images/gallery/Templates/CampaignTemplate238/spacer.gif" /></div></td> </tr><tr> <td bgcolor="#ffffff"><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">More information:</span></b><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> For trip information, contact trip coordinator Will Truslow, 336-547-1903, </span></span><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="mailto:willtruslow@hotmail.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">willtruslow@hotmail.com</span></a></span></div></td> </tr><tr> <td bgcolor="#ffffff"><div style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><img alt="" height="14" src="http://app.expressemailmarketing.com//images/gallery/Templates/CampaignTemplate238/spacer.gif" /></span></div></td> </tr><tr> <td align="left" bgcolor="#ffffff" style="border-top: 1px solid rgb(211, 211, 211); padding: 12px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td align="center" valign="middle" width="94"><div style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="http://www.danriver.org/" target="main"><img alt="" border="0" id="Logo" src="http://app.expressemailmarketing.com//images/gallery/55165/resized_83x51_DRBA_Logo-120x73.bmp" /></a></div></td> <td align="left" id="EditableText7" style="color: #3d3d3d; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 16px; padding-left: 10px;" valign="middle">336-627-6270 <a href="http://www.danriver.org/" target="_blank">http://www.danriver.org</a></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10891146601333048129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4242305344542207999.post-26278783270416289432011-05-10T01:49:00.001-04:002011-05-10T01:54:23.456-04:00Axton Elementary say's "Bye Bye trout"<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh28EcdoWEooTTrlSNgHNmXkMoMLRmrpOWqYfDPyLE9VkafNtKFHm7FZ4dRynLcj_oQ-L9gMft2ZHEvudFMs5T84ml3VqaFWTpLQUY8dKfGEw63hg-rZIQnWF448moC7BxkfETH3uStFCW3/s1600/IMGP1514.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
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Its Monday morning on the Smith River at Bassett Virginia and vivacious group of young students pile out of the big yellow bus, excited to be out of school and ready for an adventure on the river. These students from Hannah Sullivan's class at Axton Elementary have been raising brown trout (with a little help from their teacher) for the past 6 months in a tank in their classroom. They are one of 31 tanks across 4 counties in one of the country's single largest Trout in the Classroom Programs, TIC in Southern Virginia !<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQwMBGd8hNPeIZ7Txb_Z-oEmrpCBcoghb0bgZfkRuKwwrrRoHJAdn-7sb_oohysv5MdQstpCt8w2wNIMNHEhWYIg-w4iSb7JIETFpJPSOYLBtZPQme0PG8pTvtMA-C4orjko_eXw4k-h60/s1600/IMGP1495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQwMBGd8hNPeIZ7Txb_Z-oEmrpCBcoghb0bgZfkRuKwwrrRoHJAdn-7sb_oohysv5MdQstpCt8w2wNIMNHEhWYIg-w4iSb7JIETFpJPSOYLBtZPQme0PG8pTvtMA-C4orjko_eXw4k-h60/s400/IMGP1495.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Each year, students and teachers get brown trout eggs from the state hatchery at Wytheville in December, The tiny pinkish / orange eggs are only a few weeks old when the schools first receive them and these "eye-up" eggs are placed in breeder baskets made of netting and suspended off edge of the tank.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha17OUDHD6wajb_CujYwguvf3EluOch7mrYuDIDSMtphC8r554NgooV00TPocqAwQBptqdp6OHtlo9hzirrCbg6GOYTX918-clRO9-_mqcFJsiuHSgYr-z07NfYxqCgYROyWCkNzKPbw-i/s1600/DSCF1153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha17OUDHD6wajb_CujYwguvf3EluOch7mrYuDIDSMtphC8r554NgooV00TPocqAwQBptqdp6OHtlo9hzirrCbg6GOYTX918-clRO9-_mqcFJsiuHSgYr-z07NfYxqCgYROyWCkNzKPbw-i/s200/DSCF1153.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Its not long before the first trout start to "break out of their shell" and get their first look at a new environment. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW9p2t3JprTTL7sXEIZcIn_0xdM_bc01ndevu1FIFdOIV1l25_WqW7oTpW23uVv809vcRaK1bxudLilw7ihWJTePjos6C-bNEENaqXrZjouB-GPzxBzvN_5mSClNI3mMwZo5ER_7cBX-mL/s1600/IMGP4193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW9p2t3JprTTL7sXEIZcIn_0xdM_bc01ndevu1FIFdOIV1l25_WqW7oTpW23uVv809vcRaK1bxudLilw7ihWJTePjos6C-bNEENaqXrZjouB-GPzxBzvN_5mSClNI3mMwZo5ER_7cBX-mL/s320/IMGP4193.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Often, the first thing the new trout see are many eyes on the outside of the tank, staring back at them ! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvVHNMkdnQ35n029AovgbgSKgLhEOQ7p4KU9RGbDnmYVD5-SpmhaHaQzFuQzLR_n9PZhvKTKFF4Rf__FWdo8SS0lk5tX4xV8YnGkv7H4IwZkv9kE9pgnaNeiVLwM2sxb538_j5SUn__Ej8/s1600/DSC08153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvVHNMkdnQ35n029AovgbgSKgLhEOQ7p4KU9RGbDnmYVD5-SpmhaHaQzFuQzLR_n9PZhvKTKFF4Rf__FWdo8SS0lk5tX4xV8YnGkv7H4IwZkv9kE9pgnaNeiVLwM2sxb538_j5SUn__Ej8/s320/DSC08153.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>By Christmas the fry have hatched are now called alevins, Just a few weeks later and the "sac fry" have absorbed all their yolk sacs and are ready to start eating trout food.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHgdhvWhyKWIseSmmS36lHBt6JZtLw6N3wZtLBlOER78hfLdx9MsLtpz_LpzosNP3JDkKMoCpvg2QQPwKhM7sDOPBO5GU8FpKi94D5yi-Mpszt-wthw_PCt750j3kN0Qjsg3Ealz9DoVjf/s1600/IMGP4738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHgdhvWhyKWIseSmmS36lHBt6JZtLw6N3wZtLBlOER78hfLdx9MsLtpz_LpzosNP3JDkKMoCpvg2QQPwKhM7sDOPBO5GU8FpKi94D5yi-Mpszt-wthw_PCt750j3kN0Qjsg3Ealz9DoVjf/s320/IMGP4738.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigld3m931uVKZhXqi_O2D0NAdH7MawHjcJsZkw5PATWc9vdrqviWSaSE-uI38NMWvz6o3qilpV406MjSj0QUrNH4NkzWACezaFNB6rVNPDJCLjJS3kqYNE21ryPMk-j9B0WMAqRva_HQlW/s1600/IMGP6876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigld3m931uVKZhXqi_O2D0NAdH7MawHjcJsZkw5PATWc9vdrqviWSaSE-uI38NMWvz6o3qilpV406MjSj0QUrNH4NkzWACezaFNB6rVNPDJCLjJS3kqYNE21ryPMk-j9B0WMAqRva_HQlW/s320/IMGP6876.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Once the trout are big enough to be "swim-ups" they are released from the breeder net in to the tank. By May, the trout are now big, fat and healthy and are known as "fingerlings" and at this stage they are ready to be released in the Smith River.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJJT1fgf2Ln3oV07S7pSQFhcoVCjJ9bU7koOz8zC5p5Rf1SyEZRaN7_bxmPiJ-J3cHLVZoH5kMsHRU2L6SvG8suvos3n3uEo7jJjznCy6ZmyzKyWKPE__qQUzmWZaz-d9u-d3lT5yzxR1L/s1600/DSCF0411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJJT1fgf2Ln3oV07S7pSQFhcoVCjJ9bU7koOz8zC5p5Rf1SyEZRaN7_bxmPiJ-J3cHLVZoH5kMsHRU2L6SvG8suvos3n3uEo7jJjznCy6ZmyzKyWKPE__qQUzmWZaz-d9u-d3lT5yzxR1L/s320/DSCF0411.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU_gRbr3v8aFUITePj95cJQXSWcGlUp65x_S96-L_LYMTkvr7WP_RWvPzd0V6ptJPXnS3RW9ho8FO4MOshEBcarBn6M3MFTfz_5Kyf5oBJd8lCx25wfoMKUZKGyWLGfb9N2UUJ7_2o0B92/s1600/DSC08146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU_gRbr3v8aFUITePj95cJQXSWcGlUp65x_S96-L_LYMTkvr7WP_RWvPzd0V6ptJPXnS3RW9ho8FO4MOshEBcarBn6M3MFTfz_5Kyf5oBJd8lCx25wfoMKUZKGyWLGfb9N2UUJ7_2o0B92/s320/DSC08146.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The students and teachers help take care of the trout and have to make sure the water is cleaned and the trout are fed. They also have to make sure the water is the correct ph and the ammonia levels are low.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEcvRbQtqAq76hgFM_KmKvQzjdykrjwPpoBXFEJlbp4UBF2ohy4MTz-bAoQSWzBswrQ8tzYTbsG1I8vJ2bWOCvMq5qr2f_6VThUPu8X6oUh3kKgNz5zP-wmqBA7YgCPZnkhuKsSHUnh90z/s1600/DSC08149.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEcvRbQtqAq76hgFM_KmKvQzjdykrjwPpoBXFEJlbp4UBF2ohy4MTz-bAoQSWzBswrQ8tzYTbsG1I8vJ2bWOCvMq5qr2f_6VThUPu8X6oUh3kKgNz5zP-wmqBA7YgCPZnkhuKsSHUnh90z/s320/DSC08149.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The students are learning that trout need good clean water to survive. So now the big day has arrived and they are ready to take theses trout they have been raising and let them go into their new river home.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSPHTU8DdINNy4c_nTbK2m2v6B5-xqXKydJBHPbsxRa2YDewWlBtxFufkEi6fMb8OEbia9upbjhWl4Aky-30tdrekdksz5o2AAE6RpUqvhkjnvy2mO3kDbNCtyCywKyQYab38AVoH01qYC/s1600/IMGP1497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSPHTU8DdINNy4c_nTbK2m2v6B5-xqXKydJBHPbsxRa2YDewWlBtxFufkEi6fMb8OEbia9upbjhWl4Aky-30tdrekdksz5o2AAE6RpUqvhkjnvy2mO3kDbNCtyCywKyQYab38AVoH01qYC/s400/IMGP1497.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>On this day, The Dan River Basins new Executive Director, Tiffany Haworth, donned rubber boots and joined the students as they introduced the trout to their new home.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6oU2OqTIM6Im24NAvGka5GHn9WfYzTVa9ai-HHXG4FuiyJ6CnL6ImGCY5Tk42OPB_S_rIsn811dx-NIO_J012oLzan-emOaQV5iG0VMRXIyKxyQMT5oFIl7oOsaezjnghwZLN0B5tLCpl/s1600/IMGP1505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6oU2OqTIM6Im24NAvGka5GHn9WfYzTVa9ai-HHXG4FuiyJ6CnL6ImGCY5Tk42OPB_S_rIsn811dx-NIO_J012oLzan-emOaQV5iG0VMRXIyKxyQMT5oFIl7oOsaezjnghwZLN0B5tLCpl/s400/IMGP1505.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVxrpE24ov_NCJor7gpBbNEEe-RRFrK7P_mG2tX0oyh8PG8XPrkOh2g1zhaJLmPWr2sdZgxq5k_fpIttrVrJndyRpbc7K9pPUUvhqXwFq9BAExPZEfW_cih3X_g23VD4aL4x803ggWQ0Ni/s1600/IMGP1499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVxrpE24ov_NCJor7gpBbNEEe-RRFrK7P_mG2tX0oyh8PG8XPrkOh2g1zhaJLmPWr2sdZgxq5k_fpIttrVrJndyRpbc7K9pPUUvhqXwFq9BAExPZEfW_cih3X_g23VD4aL4x803ggWQ0Ni/s400/IMGP1499.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>After the last trout swam out to deeper water, it was time for the students to take a "stream walk" and learn more about the river and what the trout were going to eat now that they would not be fed each day by the students.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh28EcdoWEooTTrlSNgHNmXkMoMLRmrpOWqYfDPyLE9VkafNtKFHm7FZ4dRynLcj_oQ-L9gMft2ZHEvudFMs5T84ml3VqaFWTpLQUY8dKfGEw63hg-rZIQnWF448moC7BxkfETH3uStFCW3/s1600/IMGP1514.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh28EcdoWEooTTrlSNgHNmXkMoMLRmrpOWqYfDPyLE9VkafNtKFHm7FZ4dRynLcj_oQ-L9gMft2ZHEvudFMs5T84ml3VqaFWTpLQUY8dKfGEw63hg-rZIQnWF448moC7BxkfETH3uStFCW3/s400/IMGP1514.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
On the stream walk the students learned that bugs like stoneflys, mayflys, helgramites and crayfish (macro-invertebrates) live under the rocks and logs in the river. A seine net was used to capture some of the macros for closer examination.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKOaRdpws7h8ZD2N2z9sJl4fTfDcIU8pTIQ6D0Cu8RgOWFtFgccZYD2o-nIFNaQglbtpgfhx0LMJHKXs3V_mwE3GDO1Qb_FHPUuZG0a3sDO2_ECzgb3At2fzFDVWtmXJ_MaQm9vfkqeUPy/s1600/IMGP1521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKOaRdpws7h8ZD2N2z9sJl4fTfDcIU8pTIQ6D0Cu8RgOWFtFgccZYD2o-nIFNaQglbtpgfhx0LMJHKXs3V_mwE3GDO1Qb_FHPUuZG0a3sDO2_ECzgb3At2fzFDVWtmXJ_MaQm9vfkqeUPy/s320/IMGP1521.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhizGQ8EnJTD7h_gjlLqIKBgKGk9SP830yIhBnVL3ThogsQkOU3Eevzd1MJKAtrcB1RYiQKe5DVM-rBuZNcfLRQ6WgVlKy3mh437A40x5jT-XFsq3AnemFhIcLQEMfqjEOoKkN_HI00xADE/s1600/IMGP1529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhizGQ8EnJTD7h_gjlLqIKBgKGk9SP830yIhBnVL3ThogsQkOU3Eevzd1MJKAtrcB1RYiQKe5DVM-rBuZNcfLRQ6WgVlKy3mh437A40x5jT-XFsq3AnemFhIcLQEMfqjEOoKkN_HI00xADE/s320/IMGP1529.JPG" width="180" /></a></div> It was another great day in the best classroom in the world...the river<br />
Thanks to Hannah and Patrick Sullivan, all the students and teachers at Axton Elementary and a special thanks to Tiffany Haworth for helping the kids stay "mostly" dry during the stream walk experience !<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOQU7g0anHCj7nDWe81M2ogOv-O4yRhzaYLRkmpMBYNtAYW6WhqN3JVQtktyIuvWPSK0CHj-wxpMT1X-JL-aV5gHVexd96yiGn-uudlVqjo5hqHEpoRSb1HW1zEK0nbNFmkcQSJz1d_oGw/s1600/IMGP1517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOQU7g0anHCj7nDWe81M2ogOv-O4yRhzaYLRkmpMBYNtAYW6WhqN3JVQtktyIuvWPSK0CHj-wxpMT1X-JL-aV5gHVexd96yiGn-uudlVqjo5hqHEpoRSb1HW1zEK0nbNFmkcQSJz1d_oGw/s320/IMGP1517.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10891146601333048129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4242305344542207999.post-72697171091544978422011-04-12T15:14:00.000-04:002011-06-30T15:56:31.386-04:00DRBA First Saturday Outing for May<table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td id="itemTitle"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 18pt; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;"><strong> <div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Rounded MT Bold','sans-serif'; font-size: 14pt;">DRBA Paddles the Dan in Stokes County</span></div></strong></span></td> </tr><tr> <td id="itemTitle" style="text-align: left;"> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><span style="font-size: x-small;">DRBA’s May 7 First Saturday Outing will be a 5-mile paddle trip on the Dan River in Stokes County from Snow Creek Access to Hemlock Golf Course Access coordinated by Will Truslow. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-odCs7TF4kGk/TaSkjfIrS_I/AAAAAAAAOEI/EK11PWA5jwY/s1600/DSC04513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-odCs7TF4kGk/TaSkjfIrS_I/AAAAAAAAOEI/EK11PWA5jwY/s320/DSC04513.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Meet at 10:00 a.m. at the Snow Creek Access, about 200 yards west of Dodgetown Road Bridge on Pitzer Road (GPS 36.4026, -80.1404), to unload boats and gear and set the shuttle. </span></span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><span style="font-size: x-small;">For boat rentals and shuttle, contact Three Rivers Outfitters, 336-627-6215 or 276-340-3983, </span><a href="http://app.expressemailmarketing.com/get.link?linkid=2771026&subscriberid=116948306&campaignid=743895&linkurl=http%3a%2f%2fwww.3-r-o.com%2f" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;">www.3-r-o.com</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, or Dan River Company, 336-593-2628, </span><a href="http://app.expressemailmarketing.com/get.link?linkid=2771027&subscriberid=116948306&campaignid=743895&linkurl=http%3a%2f%2fwww.danrivercompany.com%2f" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;">www.danrivercompany.com</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">. </span></span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><span style="font-size: x-small;">History and legend abound on this section of the river, which is characterized by high bluffs forested with hardwoods and stands of stately hemlock trees. Just upstream of the put-in is the frame of the Pitzer Steel Truss Bridge, dating from 1918. </span></span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><span style="font-size: x-small;">About half a mile below Snow Creek is Thompson’s Fish Dam, which has remnants of a rare wooden slat trap. According to “An Insider’s Guide to the Dan River,” a “heavy timber frame, about eight feet square, formed a grid of slats” to trap fish channeled into the trap by a vee-shaped low rock wall. </span></span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><span style="font-size: x-small;">At least two branches of the Great Wagon Road forded the river at shoals on this section, and caves are said to have been used by Confederate draft dodgers. </span></span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Rock formations and uncommon Carolina hemlock stands have received recognition as the Dan River Cliffs natural heritage area. </span></span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><span style="font-size: x-small;">According to Truslow, “This section of the Dan has the last of the really high bluffs before the river winds on into the Piedmont. Some are about 150 feet high.” </span></span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The most spectacular is Davis Bluff, a dramatic rock face on river left where huge boulders lie in the water at the base of the cliff. Legend says that a member of the Davis family fell to his death from the road on top. To this day, the cliff is known as Mount Horrible. </span></span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Dan River in this section is rated mostly as Class 1, but the remains of a former Duke Power dam, dynamited in 1975, create a sometimes challenging Class 2 rapid. Fortunately, it is located within sight of the take-out ramp at Hemlock Golf Course.</span></span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Meet at 10:00 at the Snow Creek Access on Pitzer Road. Arrange to supply boat, paddles, life jackets, water and lunch; wear water-shedding artificial fabric or wool (not cotton, and certainly not blue jeans); and provide a back-up change of clothing. All participants will be asked to sign a waiver.</span></span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Directions:</span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> At the intersection of NC 8 and NC 89 about 3 miles south of Danbury, NC, turn northeast onto Dodgetown Road. Drive about 4 miles and cross the Dan River. Immediately turn left onto Pitzer Road. Snow Creek Access is on the left in about 200 yards.</span></span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Driving south from Virginia on US 220, turn west on NC 770 to Sandy Ridge. Turn south on NC 704 to Prestonville. Turn south on NC 772 toDodgetown. Turn right onto Dodgetown Road and drive about 4 miles. Just before crossing the Dan River, turn right onto Pitzer Road. Snow Creek Access is on the left in about 200 yards.</span></span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">More Information:</span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;"> Will Truslow, 336-547-1903, <a href="mailto:willtruslow@hotmail.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;">willtruslow@hotmail.com</span></a></span></td> </tr><tr> <td><img alt="spacer (1K)" height="5" src="http://app.expressemailmarketing.com/images/spacer.gif" style="display: block;" width="2" /></td></tr></tbody></table>Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10891146601333048129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4242305344542207999.post-81471713621456058222011-04-05T14:17:00.019-04:002011-04-07T09:58:18.498-04:00New Walking Trail Opens at PHCC<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNhZHMmGle42WPuBQp9u8_eSYaYs3ss6-Rfn01eAoOWJXSM6I3CdcuWLeVkVAtGW2k1_lXjA3tJgC6LJ51GjoJRXFjRlHZfahOkcIP4a1jqLdPW_z0S2ssexvLuaAThyphenhyphenGYRLEJvYNiESg/s1600/PH+1"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592523173379234322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNhZHMmGle42WPuBQp9u8_eSYaYs3ss6-Rfn01eAoOWJXSM6I3CdcuWLeVkVAtGW2k1_lXjA3tJgC6LJ51GjoJRXFjRlHZfahOkcIP4a1jqLdPW_z0S2ssexvLuaAThyphenhyphenGYRLEJvYNiESg/s400/PH+1" border="0" /></a> Cutting a ribbon to open a new trail at Patrick Henry Community College and the city reservoir are (from left) Ron Epperly of PHCC; Jennifer Doss, tourism director and formerly with the Dan River Basin Association; Brian Williams of DRBA; Martinsville Mayor Kim Adkins; Jim Frith of Frith Construction, which had the contract to build the trail; Martinsville City Manager Clarence Monday; City Parks and Recreation director Gary Cody; and Jeff Mansour of the Harvest Foundation, which paid for the trail. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592528078754833186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6xu6-lkrqd6skNUwzTNlaQG3FTJyiNXn0j_CS4zprBy5lw5DUAIY2NmHV9O7C7cUmzTRe_3yReJNREtMWV3Wu_pCtEg92m_l41UHRXona631Cvj5OUQ6HAmSHdfWQ17mOruwz-HABdzo/s400/ph+trail" border="0" />Thanks to a unique partnership between Patrick Henry Community College, Martinsville City, The Harvest Foundation and Dan River Basin Association, the community has a new hiking and biking trail through the woods around the beautiful Beaver Creek Reservoir. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592839402475521218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqpUssyias-HVSE6WHnEGcz7AOiN9fqyt6Rn4ZYet6bmyRyzemVrS08tpWQQWkQ9DU9QrlISCvqQrd0jfNEaemHy1s_FJVFrUtqVeHrsHjO7c6s0BlG1EUqQdrQwSO8-kVAFKQm2T3FRs/s400/beaver+creek" border="0" /> The project was funded by Harvest with in-kind donations from Martinsville City Parks and Recreation Department. Land easements were provided by PHCC and Martinsville City. The project was developed by Dan River Basin Association (DRBA) and trail construction was completed by Frith Construction Company. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592531850007087266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDPNsXzBGtATvPxbKObgmN_QMo5Yu6Em8K4A1RqObg5pMatd51fINTnkCq0TemxOkr25d_39fFw3ovKhv8ZN3kHfTLJr7NrFkomoVj7-Hh4nGS2KrQi58LcJgKPrO9J_FtdFil7x_V2jY/s400/phc+2" border="0" /> Additional work was provided by Boy Scout Troop 63 which built benches and picnic tables that were installed by Martinsville Parks and Recreation at various points along the scenic trail. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592530162086751746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS90hv3TS1fAgCwpJvhJh_6s2h8y2udKtu3-UK_-1zdsOcgMrIh0xUd6ff9gbCyRWhlGagtEEIJ8tV8pkZRldo0EdtelLXo3rdghQuaf7dSBbaSmlmNjxS5hgXVHpCnB4LpmuJHItDgNs/s400/picnic" border="0" /> The Beaver Creek Reservoir is also known as the Martinsville Reservoir and is a source of drinking water for the City of Martinsville. The natural setting of this beautiful lake makes it ideal for hiking, fishing and nature viewing. Surrounded by steep hills and lush forest, canoeing, kayaking and fishing are also favorite activities at the lake. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592531281615821490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnqrjhA9MPByOTPF2GwVhDdgYOky0XKPsvsoSLp5X9CW8K09g7nFqzNJJpnV-CxdEKn4Lph2Wvl2xcL_4gObVfH1ulMqeQM2F5BaopyuJDx5UhajKajJG5JqgQ3KC5brQt7_wpx9iTEKE/s400/phc+1" border="0" /> The trailhead and parking is located at the upper level parking area adjacent to the Frith Building on the campus of Patrick Henry Community College. Students and the general public have easy access to the trail from campus parking lot. Future plans include extending the trail around the edge of the reservoir and connecting it to a parking area located across the lake from PHCC, at the end of boat ramp drive. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592528263521126098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUbYp-DoRYgvklWyb3eQ_VPYMmTW5Bs9sDUKl6Z5pAxDkgH4CFP0C6ng522YsnZApdb4f420-UeSOx0HCkJ-2O-p5I5CKOuzZrX9n6ci-hzmraJPv03tIULUkHtD334WgpcG_69JojWWA/s400/trail+2" border="0" /> The trail is considered a multi-use trail and is open to hiking, mountain biking, running, and nature viewing. Trail users are asked to “share the trail” and help keep the area clean and beautiful by “taking only photographs and leaving only footprints”. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592835404943852722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfbwBEZ6TMXMwbOy0Q5WvhCBVwgdbGU66pQ6BanZtw0qBZpd-vFyd9Bal4r6gN78jzkqQCLrOSjigwLniNxyGeD-5yT215n41UXEqnwdDcsatQzYbdtNY0fpFCyGJdWf1ZGzAOKAZoD_Q/s400/phcc+loop+trail.jpg" border="0" /> PHCC Trail Loop of the Beaver Creek Reservoir Trails & Smith River Trail System is approximately 3/4 of a mile long natural surface trail to be used by hikers, mountain bikers, and to be utilized as an out-door classroom for PHCC students.Regenia Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10081813660398331302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4242305344542207999.post-72480129220865417482011-03-24T18:39:00.000-04:002011-06-30T15:56:31.387-04:00Back to the River !<table border="0" cellpadding="0" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><tbody><tr> <td bgcolor="#000000" height="21" width="163"><a href="http://www.danriver.org/Recreation/Recreation.asp"> </a></td> <td height="21" width="2"><br /></td> <td bgcolor="#000000" height="21" width="162"></td> <td height="21" width="2"><br /></td> <td bgcolor="#000000" height="21" width="163"></td> </tr><tr> <td colspan="5" height="2" width="484"><img border="0" height="2" src="http://www.danriver.org/DWT/HomePg/2x2Spacer.gif" width="2" /></td> </tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 492px;"><tbody><tr> <td></td> </tr><tr> <td></td></tr><tr><td></td> </tr><tr> <td><table border="0" cellpadding="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 485px;"><tbody><tr> <td height="35" valign="middle"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"> April 2, 2011</span></td> </tr><tr> <td><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b> Back to the River!</b></span></td> </tr><tr> <td></td> </tr><tr> <td><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"> </span><br /><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Rounded MT Bold','sans-serif'; font-size: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Back to the River! April 2 Outing on Smith River from Bassett to Great Road Access</span></span></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Rounded MT Bold','sans-serif'; font-size: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Rounded MT Bold','sans-serif'; font-size: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"> </span></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">DRBA’s First Saturday Outing on April 2, 2011 will celebrate springtime with a return to the water—a 5.2-mile float on the Smith River in Henry County from the Bassett Access to the newly opened Great Road Access. Charlie Williams, expert paddler and Outings Committee Chair, will coordinate the trip.</span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-3satvI6lzow/TPO19W5VMiI/AAAAAAAANRc/7lH0J-kYYF4/s1600/DSC04683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-yIfF58RNYRU/TPO2zm17wUI/AAAAAAAANR8/V1N20XAisso/s1600/Foggy+river+rise.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-yIfF58RNYRU/TPO2zm17wUI/AAAAAAAANR8/V1N20XAisso/s320/Foggy+river+rise.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Participants are asked to meet at 10:00 a.m. at the Bassett Canoe Access, <span style="color: black;">271 Trent Hill Drive</span><span style="color: black;">, Bassett, VA</span><span style="color: black;"> (GPS 36.76992,-80.00147) </span>to unload boats and gear and set the shuttle. </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">For boat rentals and shuttle, contact Smith River Adventure Outfitters, <span style="color: #000066;">276-252-0701, <a href="http://www.smithriveradventureoutfitters.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.smithriveradventureoutfitters.com</span></a> or </span>Three Rivers Outfitters, 336-627-6215, 276-340-3983, </span><a href="http://www.3-r-o.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times New Roman;">www.3-r-o.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;"></span></span><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-3satvI6lzow/TPO19W5VMiI/AAAAAAAANRc/7lH0J-kYYF4/s1600/DSC04683.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-3satvI6lzow/TPO19W5VMiI/AAAAAAAANRc/7lH0J-kYYF4/s320/DSC04683.JPG" width="320" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;"></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Constructed through a partnership of DRBA and Henry County, both the Bassett and Great Road accesses are part of the Smith River Trail System, a growing network of blueways and greenways designed to connect riverside communities through Henry County, VA, downstream to Eden, NC. </span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qoH7Lt2kDs0/TYvHy-goA1I/AAAAAAAAN7A/Qk80_5WGg0c/s1600/DSC03000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qoH7Lt2kDs0/TYvHy-goA1I/AAAAAAAAN7A/Qk80_5WGg0c/s320/DSC03000.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">The Bassett Canoe Access, opened in 2006, is located at the now dormant J. D. Bassett Chair Factory, which “stands as a silent testament to an historic furniture industry that once supplied America,” according to “An Insider’s Guide to the Smith River.” </span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-eBp67k8RqwY/TYvH5mpPJnI/AAAAAAAAN7E/IbpbBjHVEx4/s1600/DSC02577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-eBp67k8RqwY/TYvH5mpPJnI/AAAAAAAAN7E/IbpbBjHVEx4/s320/DSC02577.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">As the Smith runs through the town of about 1,300 residents, remnants of the past remind paddlers of the river’s history. In the 19th century, Smith’s River Navigation Company built rock wing dams and sluices to enable long, narrow batteaux to haul iron and grain to market in Danville. </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Although commercial navigation on the river was short-lived, the company’s wing dams survived and were modified by twentieth-century riverside industries for water intakes. Shortly below the put-in, paddlers will pass the “Leaning Tower of Bassett,” one of these later structures.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">On river left, the Norfolk Southern Railway line parallels the river the full length of the float, serving past and present factories in this important industrial center. </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">About a mile into the trip, on river right is Bassett Historical Center, which houses a wealth of local historical and genealogical materials used by patrons from around the world. Just downstream is the third of six bridges that span this section of the river.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">A short distance below the fifth bridge is Blackberry Creek, entering from river right. The Great Wagon Road crossed the Smith River nearby, providing a route for settlers migrating through the region in days gone by. </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">From Blackberry Creek for a half mile is “The Hayfields,” where the river is shallow and “trout fishing is best accomplished by wading,” according to DRBA staff member and avid trout fisherman Brian Williams, who wrote the Smith River guide. Trout thrive throughout this portion of the river.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">The take-out is at the Great Road Access, the Smith River’s newest river access point, which opened in September, 2010. Solutia Performance Films granted easements for the access and for an adjacent 500-foot-long trail. Plant manager Joe Stultz says, “This is our way of giving back to the community.” </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Participants in the outing are asked to meet at 10:00 at the Bassett Canoe Access. They should arrange to supply boat, paddles, life jackets, water and lunch; wear water-shedding artificial fabric or wool (not cotton, and certainly not blue jeans); and provide a back-up change of clothing. Since the river may be shallow in places, wear shoes appropriate for wading. All participants will be asked to sign a waiver. </span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><b>Directions:</b> F<span style="color: black;">rom US 220 north of Martinsville, take the VA 57 West/Fairystone Park Highway exit towards Stanleytown/Bassett. After about 3.4 miles, turn left at Fairystone Parkway/Lenoir Street. After about a mile, take the second right onto Lenoir Street/Trent Hill Drive. The Bassett Canoe Access will be on the left beside the factory building, at 271 Trent Hill Drive. </span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><b>More Information:</b> Charlie Williams, 336-337-8843, </span><a href="mailto:chawilliams59@yahoo.com"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times New Roman;">chawilliams59@yahoo.com</span></a></span></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10891146601333048129noreply@blogger.com0